Arsenal vs Olympiacos F.C.

Arsenal’s bright start to the campaign continued at the weekend as they claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Newcastle, keeping momentum high ahead of this fixture. The Gunners opened their European campaign with a 2-0 success over Athletic Bilbao on matchday one. They are now aiming to maintain their perfect start in the competition and build on what has been an impressive beginning to 2025/26 across all fronts [6W, 1D, 1L]. Europe has been a happy hunting ground for the Gunners, who have won their last 13 home group-stage matches [13W, 0D, 0L] in UEFA competition, including 10 straight without conceding a goal. They have kept eight clean sheets in their last 12 UCL group fixtures overall and currently boast a five-game winning run in this stage [WWWWW] – their best since 2004/05. This fixture has plenty of history. Arsenal and Olympiacos are meeting for the 13th time in Europe, with neither side having drawn in the previous 12 [six wins each]. Under Mikel Arteta, the London-based club have already faced the Greek giants four times, eliminating them from the Europa League in 2021 after the visitors had pulled off an upset the year before. Meanwhile, the trio of Piero Hincapié, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are in the treatment room. A 4—3—3 pattern may be deployed with Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres and Eberechi Eze leading the line.

In contrast, Olympiacos, under José Luis Mendilibar, began their campaign with a goalless draw against Pafos. The Greek champions are unbeaten this season across all competitions, winning five of their seven matches [5W, 2D, 0L], including their last two domestically [2-1 vs Asteras Tripolis and 3-2 vs Levadiakos]. They arrive with confidence but face daunting numbers at this level. The Legend have lost 10 straight UCL away games in the group stage, with their last such victory coming against Dinamo Zagreb in 2015. That said, recent history shows they cannot be underestimated in England. The Piraeus side have won two of their last three away trips to Premier League clubs, including a 1-0 win at Arsenal in March 2021 and a 4-2 triumph at Aston Villa in May 2024. There is no injury or suspension worry for Mendilibar, as he may opt for a 4—2—3—1 formation with Ayoub El Kaabi starting up front.