Arsenal vs. Olympiacos: 5 Players Key to a Gunners Victory

Arsenal entertain Olympiacos in their second Champions League group game tonight, hoping to build on the positive point gained against Dortmund.

The Gunners can build on two decent performances against Shrewsbury and Bolton. A third home win in a row will give Arsenal four points and mark a good start in a potentially tricky group.

But Arsenal won't find things easy. With injuries mounting, the depth and quality of the squad will be tested tonight. Here are five players who are key to their victory.

5. Alex Song

The Daily Mirror reports that Alex Song will be pressed into action in central defense. Arsenal are said to be without Laurent Koscielny, Johan Djourou, Thomas Vermaelen, Sebastien Squillaci and Ignasi Miguel thanks to a rash of injuries.

Song will need to be composed and disciplined at the back. The assured presence of Per Mertesacker should ease the burden on the Cameroon international.

Mertesacker's steady play should enable Song to use his athleticism and comfort on the ball to make timely interceptions and dictate play from the back.

Song has been called upon to slot into defense in the past and has always given a good account of himself.

4. Emmanuel Frimpong

Promising youngster Frimpong could well be chosen to assume Song's role in midfield. Frimpong has made a positive start to the campaign and he will need to continue to showcase his tremendous potential tonight.

Frimpong has the tenacity and assurance to be a valuable defensive shield and guard against any counter attacks from the Greek side.

He is an efficient passer who must look to use his strength to win possession and then move the ball quickly to Arsenal's playmakers.

Maintaining discipline and positional awareness is crucial for Frimpong. A strong performance tonight will enhance his growing reputation and prove that Arsenal can rely on him for the big games ahead.

3. Andrey Arshavin

Arsene Wenger has recently backed Andrey Arshavin, indicating that recovering his confidence is the key to turning his game around.

With Gervinho likely to miss tonight's game with a minor ailment, the clever Russian forward will be the given the chance to shine.

A home group game in the Champions League could be the perfect setting for Arshavin to deliver the kind of performance that his considerable talent merits.

He will likely get more space than he does in the Premier League, giving him the chance to utilise his cunning passing range.

Arshavin needs to quickly rediscover his best form, as a player of his ability could be pivotal in turning Arsenal's season around.

He won't have any better opportunities to get back on track than tonight's game.

2. Aaron Ramsey

Welsh schemer Aaron Ramsey has tried hard this season, but has been largely ineffective. Against Bolton, Ramsey had his best game of the campaign so far and needs to follow it up with an equally strong performance tonight.

Against Wanderers, his movement was quick and intelligent and his passing was incisive.  After appearing to struggle with the extra responsibility of being the chief attacker in Arsenal's midfield trio, Ramsey now appears ready to grow into the role.

He needs to continue to find space and regularly position himself in the danger areas between the midfield and forward lines against Olympiacos.

More end product is the key now for Ramsey and a goal or an assist or two tonight would continue to show his improvement. 

1. Mikel Arteta

After a quiet start, Mikel Arteta has been Arsenal's best player in their last two league games. He has played deeper than expected, but has been active, assured and efficient in midfield.

Motivated by being on the Champions League stage, Arteta needs to orchestrate the game from the middle of the field. He must ensure that Arsenal's possession play remains intelligent and polished throughout the game.

The last time Arsenal entertained Olympiacos, during the 2009-10 season, the game was a dour affair and a stalemate existed for large portions of the game.

The Gunners will have to work hard to break down their opponents tonight, but a smart performance, led by the efforts of these five players, should see Arsenal gain an important victory.

Three straight home wins in all competitions will provide a good deal of momentum heading into Sunday's North London derby.