Champions League: Arsenal v Olympiakos match preview

A look ahead to tonight’s Champions League fixture at the Emirates Stadium

Olympiakos train at the Emirates stadium (GETTY IMAGES)

After suffering their first defeat of the season against Chelsea at the weekend, Arsene Wenger will want a positive reaction from his team.

The Gunners were fortunate to come away with a 2-1 win away to Montpellier a fortnight ago after a jaded performance and will want to put on a more convincing display in front of their home crowd.

David Fuster ensured Olympiakos continued their 100 per cent start to the league season with a 1-0 win away at Atromitos. The Spaniard headed in from a Jose Holebas free-kick to send Leonardo Jardim’s men three points clear at the top. With Arsenal conceding their last three goals from set-plays, including two against Chelsea on Saturday, Arsenal will be weary of Holebas’ dangerous deliveries into the box.

With the Greek side losing to Schalke in matchday one, they are playing catch up in the group and will feel they need to get something out of this game if they harbour any serious ambitions of progressing to the knockout stages.

KICK-OFF: Wednesday, 7.45pm

PAST MEETINGS…

Olympiakos 3 (Djebbour, Fuster, Modesto) Arsenal 1 (Benayoun), Champions League, December 2011

Arsenal 2 (Oxlade-Chamberlain, Andre Santos) Olympiakos 1 (Fuster), Champions League, September 2011

Olympiakos 1 (Leonardo) Arsenal 0, Champions League, December 2009

STATS…

The two sides have met four times with each of the meetings culminating in a home win.

The Gunners have never lost at home to Greek opposition in Europe, winning five and drawing two games.

Since losing to Inter in 2003, Arsenal have only lost two out of 42 Champions League home games and those were against other English teams.

ODDS…

Arsenal to win: 1.36

Olympiakos to win: 9.00

Draw: 4.75

TV: Live on Sky Sports 4 at 7.45pm, highlights on Sky Sports 2 at 10pm.