Arsenal travel to Greece to face Olympiakos in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie looking to extend their unbeaten run to nine matches. This will be the hosts’ first Europa League game after they finished third in their Champions League group. Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the game here.
Olympiakos finished third in Group B of the Champions League, although they managed just four points from six games. They are once again top of the Greek Super League and will offer the Gunners a hostile atmosphere. Can continue their terrific home form?
The Gunners finally ended a run of four consecutive Premier League draws with a resounding 4-0 win over Newcastle United on Sunday. This clash against the Greek giants is probably Arsenal’s best route to the Champions League next season.
Betting preview
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last eight games in all competitions. The Gunners have also lost just two of their last eight away games in this competition. You can back an Arsenal Double Chance at odds of 1.45.
Both teams have found the net in all of Arsenal’s last four Europa League games and three of the hosts’ last five games in this competition. Five of the last six meetings between these two have seen both teams score. Therefore, you can back Both Teams to Score at odds of 1.60.
Each of the last six fixtures between these two have seen at least three goals scored. Three of Olympiakos’ last five games in this competition have seen three or more goals scored. Eight of Arsenal’s last nine Europa League matches have seen Over 2.5 Goals. For that reason, you can back Over 2.5 Goals in this game at odds of 1.75.
Team news
Winger Hillal Soudani is out until at least August with a cruciate ligament rupture but other than the Algerian, Pedro Martins has a full squad to pick from.
Defenders Cedric Soares, Kieran Tierney and Calum Chambers all remain sidelined with the former yet to make his Arsenal debut since joining on loan from Southampton in January. Fellow January signing Pablo Mari is close to full fitness but winger Reiss Nelson is still out with a hamstring injury. Mesut Ozil misses out due to personal reasons.
Possible line-ups
Olympiakos: Sa, Elabdellaoui, Cisse, Semedo, Tsimkas, Masouras, Camara, Bouchalakis, Lovera, El-Arabi, Hassan.
Arsenal: Martinez, Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, Mustafi, Kolasinac, Xhaka, Ceballos, Pepe, Willock, Martinelli, Lacazette.