Arsenal vs. Olympiakos Match Preview: Team News and Projected Starting XI

Can Van Persie continue his hot form?
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Arsenal rose up to the occasion this weekend with a convincing 3-0 win against Bolton.

Now they must rise up again ahead of their Champions League encounter with Olympiakos. After a thrilling draw against Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal trail group leaders Marseille by two points.

This is probably Arsenal's easiest fixture in the group stage, so anything less than three points would be a disappointment to Arsene Wenger's squad.

Let's take a look at the team news ahead of the fixture and the projected starting XI Arsene Wenger will field against Olympiakos.

Arsenal Team News

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Arsenal supporters were saddened to ear the news that Jack Wilshere required surgery for his right ankle. Wilshere had a successful surgery on Monday. However, Wilshere could be out as long as five months.

Theo Walcott will have a late fitness test ahead of the tie after he hobbled off during the weekend against Bolton. The injury was described as "minor," which gives many Arsenal supporters relief.

Other players that aren't fit for this match include Thomas Vermaelen, Sebastian Squillaci, Abou Diaby and Yossi Benayoun.

Arsenal Projected Squad

Wenger will go with the same squad that played against Bolton
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Arsene Wenger will most likely go with the same squad that he named against Bolton. However, the lineup might be different due to the Walcott injury.

Arsenal Projected Lineup

Van Persie scored his 100th goal on the weekend
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Formation (4-2-3-1)

Wojciech Szczesny (GK)

Bacary Sagna (RB), Per Mertesacker (CB), Laurent Koscielny (CB), Kieran Gibbs (LB)

Alex Song (CDM), Mikel Arteta (CM)

Gervinho (RW), Aaron Ramsey (CAM), Andrey Arshavin (LW)

Robin Van Persie (ST)

Projected Substitutes

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Lukasz Fabianski, Johan Djourou, Andre Santos, Emmanuel Frimpong, Theo Walcott, Tomas Rosicky and Marouane Chamakh.

Prediction

Arsenal 4-0

Arsenal will prove to be too much to handle for Olympiakos. Olympiakos lack the fire power and defensive stability that is needed to compete with Arsenal.

Expect Arsenal to continue their fine form with a win against Olympiakos, which will be the result that they need ahead of their premier league clash with arch-rivals Tottenham this weekend.

Come on you Gunners!