ARSENAL v OLYMPIAKOS
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP H
THE EMIRATES, TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 29TH, 19.45
CURRENT MATCH ODDS
Arsenal 1/4 Draw 9/2 Olympiakos 12/1 BET365
Arsenal’s form is there for everyone to see. They are playing very well despite their two defeats in Manchester recently. They are one of the top sides in Europe and it would surprise very few to see them top their Champions League group of Standard Liege, AZ Alkmaar and Olympiakos with a 100% record. The Gunners are formidable opponents at home and have way too much quality in their squad to be troubled by Olympiakos, even without Nicklas Bendtner, who was involved in a minor car accident on Sunday.
In the Greek league, Olympiakos have had a very steady start to the season. They have won four of their five games (beating PAOK and AEK) and drew their other game 0-0 at home to Kavala. New manager Zico has plenty of playing credentials from his time in the Brazil national team. As a manager, his record with his various clubs is mixed against English opposition, though he did mastermind a 2-1 defeat of Chelsea 2-1 while with Fenerbahce.
Former Blackburn striker Matt Derbyshire now plies his trade at the Greek outfit. He scored five goals in seven appearances last season, but his play this year has been restricted to just one outing as substitute. Their squad has as sprinkling of talented players, the best of them arguably being Argentine Cristian Ledesma. Other South Americans of note are Leonardo, Dudu and Diogo.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Gunners have never played Olympiakos in a competitive fixture. However, Arsenal have lost just twice against Greek opposition in 10 games, while Olympiakos have taken on English opposition 16 times, recording just two victories. Of their eight visits to England, Olympiakos have lost every time, conceding 27 goals and scoring just once.
Everything indicates that Olympiakos are poor travellers, even more so when the destination is England. They could be in for torrid time at the Emirates on Tuesday night.
VERDICT
Olympiakos’ poor record in England speaks for itself. Coupled with Arsenal’s strong home form (beaten once in 25 games), the Gunners should run riot against the Greeks. Arsenal have no major injury worries (Walcott could feature), and may even rest a couple of key players for Sunday’s game with Blackburn. It may not be a classic match, but Gooners won’t be complaining with another three Champions League points on the board.
RECOMMENDED
HALF-TIME/FULL-TIME Arsenal/Arsenal 1.8 BETFAIR
Arsenal to keep a clean sheet 1.82 BETFAIR
Arsenal to win both halves 2.22 BETFAIR
(PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF WRITING)
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