Arsenal vs Olympiacos Preview

• Arsenal to win on a -1.5 Asian handicap
• No BTTS

Arsenal come into this tie on the back of a strong run both domestically and in Europe. After beginning their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, the Gunners have since put together five consecutive group or league phase victories – their longest such sequence in nearly two decades. That confidence was further bolstered by a last-gasp 2-1 victory against Newcastle in the Premier League, a result that keeps their title charge firmly alive.

Unbeaten in their last five across all competitions (W4, D1), Mikel Arteta’s men appear to have rediscovered their resilience. The Emirates Stadium has also been something of a fortress in Europe in recent times, with Arsenal losing just once in their last 12 Champions League home fixtures (W9, D2). Notably, seven of those victories came by a margin of two goals or more, underlining their ability to win convincingly in front of their supporters.

In stark contrast, Olympiacos have found life difficult at Champions League level. Their campaign began with a frustrating 0-0 draw against Cypriot debutants Pafos, highlighting their ongoing problems in front of goal. Indeed, the Greek giants have scored just once across their last six Champions League fixtures, a statistic that points to a blunt attack when faced with Europe’s elite.

Domestically, José Luis Mendilibar’s side have shown greater sharpness, scoring six times in three league matches (W2, D1). However, that form has rarely translated into Europe. Olympiacos travel to North London burdened by the weight of ten consecutive away defeats in Champions League group or league phase matches, each loss coming with the concession of at least two goals. It is a worrying trend that suggests their defence struggles under the intensity of travelling fixtures at this level.

Historique du face-à-face

Arsenal and Olympiacos are familiar foes, having already met 12 times in the competition. Remarkably, both sides have won six apiece, underlining the unpredictable nature of this rivalry.

What may concern Arsenal fans is Olympiacos’ recent record in London. The Greek side have won their last three visits to the Emirates, showing they are more than capable of springing surprises on English soil. More broadly, they have triumphed in two of their last three away fixtures against English opponents, proving their resilience despite overall struggles on the road.

Statistiques et séries chaudes

• Arsenal efficiency: The Gunners have scored exactly twice in three of their last four games, highlighting a consistency in attack.
• Defensive strength at home: Arsenal have won five of their last seven Champions League home fixtures without conceding (D1, L1).
• Disciplinary factor: Ten of Olympiacos’ last 11 European matches have seen four or more yellow cards, suggesting this could be a card-heavy encounter.
• Goals across halves: Olympiacos’ last four Champions League away games all produced goals in both halves, including two matches played in England.

Acteurs clés à surveiller

Arsenal

Midfielder Mikel Merino has emerged as a surprising source of goals, particularly in clutch moments. His strike against Newcastle was his third consecutive club goal scored after the 60th minute, with the last two arriving via headers.

His late-game influence makes him a player Olympiacos must keep close tabs on, particularly from set pieces.

Arsenal will also take encouragement from the return of captain Martin Ødegaard, who shook off a shoulder injury to feature at the weekend. His creativity and vision will be crucial in unlocking what is expected to be a compact Olympiacos defence.

Olympiacos

Pour les visiteurs, Chiquinho is the man most likely to make an impact. Each of his last four goals for Olympiacos have arrived beyond the hour mark, meaning he is another second-half danger.

Given Olympiacos’ struggles in front of goal, they will need him to be clinical with any opportunities that come his way.

Nouvelles de l'équipe et joueurs manquants

Arsenal remain without Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke, both sidelined through injury. However, the squad is otherwise in good health, and Ødegaard’s return provides a major boost ahead of this clash.

Olympiacos, in contrast, have no significant injury concerns and are expected to travel with a near full-strength squad. Mendilibar will hope this continuity gives his side a fighting chance of upsetting the odds.

Analyse tactique

Arsenal are expected to dominate possession and territorial advantage, using their quick interchanges and fluid attacking movement to stretch Olympiacos’ defensive lines. The Gunners’ recent record at the Emirates shows they are more than capable of turning pressure into goals, particularly with their pressing intensity that forces mistakes from visiting sides.

Olympiacos will likely adopt a cautious, counter-attacking approach, seeking to frustrate Arsenal while hoping to snatch an opportunity through set pieces or transitional play. However, their tendency to concede multiple goals away from home in Europe is a glaring weakness that Arsenal will look to exploit early.

Analyse des paris

The bookmakers are understandably siding with Arsenal given the contrasting form of the two teams. The Gunners’ formidable home record, coupled with Olympiacos’ ten straight away defeats in the Champions League group stage, makes the hosts strong favourites.

A particularly attractive option is backing Arsenal with a -1 goal handicap, given that seven of their last nine home wins in the Champions League have come by margins of two goals or more. Punters may also consider the over cards market, with Olympiacos’ recent European fixtures producing consistently high disciplinary counts.

Prédiction

Arsenal appear too strong and too confident to slip up against an Olympiacos side with such a poor away record in this competition. While the Greeks have sprung surprises at the Emirates before, the Gunners’ current momentum suggests this tie will go in their favour.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Olympiacos

Pour plus d'informations sur ce jeu, vous pouvez également visiter :
Arsenal vs Olympiacos | UEFA Champions League 2025/26