Champions League Clash: Arsenal Aim to Break Greek Resistance

Arsenal return to Champions League action with a home test against Olympiacos, a team that always finds a way to make life tricky. The history between these two sides is balanced, the recent numbers are tight, and this game feels like one that will be decided by fine details rather than fireworks.

A Rivalry Built on Margins

These clubs have seen plenty of each other in Europe. Out of the last six meetings, each side has won three. Arsenal did take three of the last five, including two by more than one goal, but narrow scorelines have been the theme. It’s a matchup that rarely runs away.

Arsenal’s Current Form

The Gunners step in with confidence. Over their last six matches in all competitions, they’ve collected four wins, one draw and just one loss. Defense has been tight, allowing only 0.5 goals per match, while scoring an average of 1.67.

At home, they’ve been even more convincing: three straight wins, firing in 3.0 goals per game and giving up almost nothing at the back (0.33). Add in an average of 15+ shots and over 60% possession, and you can see how comfortable they’ve been at the Emirates.

Europe has told a similar story. Arsenal have won more than half of their last 30 Champions League matches and avoided defeat in 12 of their last 15. At home, the record is even more impressive: 75% clean sheets across the last 12 and 11 wins from the last 20, many by multiple goals.

Olympiacos on the Road

The Greek giants bring their own momentum. They’re unbeaten in their last 12 games overall, winning 11 of their last 15 with a strong balance of scoring (2.0 goals per match) and defending (0.8 conceded). Away from home, they’ve turned 67% of their last 15 into victories and kept clean sheets in more than half of their last 20.

The Champions League, however, has been less kind. Olympiacos are winless in 10 of their last 12, including six defeats. Draws have softened the blow, but their chance creation at this level is limited—just 0.38 shots on target on average across their last eight Champions League fixtures.

Possible Lineups

Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Merino; Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard.
Olympiacos (4-2-3-1): Tzolakis; Costinha, Retsos, Pirola, Ortega; Hezze, Mouzakitis; Strefezza, Chiquinho, Podence; El Kaabi.

What to Expect

Arsenal will try to control possession and push through midfield with Rice and Zubimendi setting the rhythm, while Saka and Trossard look to supply Gyökeres. Olympiacos will aim to stay compact, rely on the physical presence of El Kaabi, and spring into counters through Podence or Strefezza.

The numbers suggest a low-scoring battle. Arsenal’s defensive record at home in Europe is outstanding, while Olympiacos often struggle to create chances in this competition. Everything points to Arsenal edging it narrowly, with a 1-0 home win looking like the most realistic outcome.