It may just be March but defeat against Olympiacos tonight for Arsenal could basically mean their season is over. With Mikel Arteta’s side way behind in the Premier League, the Europa League is Arsenal’s last chance of success this year, making tonight’s game vital.
Context
Most Arsenal fans still haven’t got over the last time they played Olympiacos, with the Greek side scoring a late winner in the Europa League round of 32 last year. Arsenal will certainly be looking to avenge the demons of last year while the Greek side will be looking to jump on Arsenal nerves early on. Olympiacos have already been crowned champions of the Greek Super League and will come into the game full of momentum. The Greek side beat PSV in the last round after being kicked out of the Champions League. After comfortably winning their group, Arsenal needed a late rally to squeeze past Benfica in the last round.
⏪ Time for a Tierney #TBT…
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 11, 2021
🔜 #UEL pic.twitter.com/eA4Zd208uN
Team news
Olympiacos key player is Youseff El Arabi, the Moroccan striker who Arsenal fans will need no reminding of after scoring the winner against the Gunners last year. Former Arsenal defender Sokratis is available and is expected to play with Olympiacos having a couple of injuries at centre half. For Arsenal, they have a full squad of players to chose from and Mikel Arteta’s team selection will be interesting considering the Gunners poor performance at the weekend against Burnley. Granit Xhaka is still expected to play despite his error at the weekend and the interest for Arsenal will be in the attacking third. Captain Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Bukayo Saka are both expected to start but there is decisions to be made in terms of Nicolas Pepe, Willian and Alex Lacazette as well as Martin Odegaard and the returning Emile Smith Rowe at number ten. The Gunners best success will come from fast, fluid football and that suggests Pepe and Smith Rowe maybe the best options.
Importance of the game for Arsenal
With their Premier League season over already, the Europa League is not just important for Arsenal, it is their only chance of success both this season and playing in Europe next year. Mikel Arteta will take this game extremely seriously and while there are a number of strong teams left in the Europa League it is a competition Arsenal will believe they can win if they play how they are capable. They need to be completely focused on their job but Arsenal fans will be wary that Manchester United face AC Milan in a giants clash and will be quietly hopeful they can win the Europa League.
Prediction
If Arsenal start quickly and are allowed to play with freedom in the attacking areas it is a game they should win. However, the style of play Arsenal have used in these European ties has restricted them in an attacking sense and made games nervy and over complicated. Olympiacos are a good side but Arsenal need on be focused on getting a few away goals which caused their downfall last year. With a big week coming up for Arsenal with the North London Derby on Sunday they will be looking to get most of the job done tonight but Olympiacos will be disciplined defensively and cause plenty of problems from crosses and set pieces. I’m going to say 1-1.