Arsenal vs. Olympiakos: Complete Preview, Start Time, Live Stream and Schedule

As the UEFA Champions League continues its early feeling-out process, the Arsenal Gunners will host the Olympiakos Thrylos in a Group F match on Sept. 28. Arsenal is tied for second in the group after tying Dortmund in their opening match, while Olympiakos is in last by virtue of a loss to Marseille.

The much-maligned Gunners have gotten off to a dubious start in the Premier League, with just one victory in five matches and a league-worst goal differential of minus-eight. Olympiakos is coming off a Greek Super League title, but their generally low level of competition has not adequately prepared them for the Champions League.

Arsenal enters the game as a massive favorite and should score a tidy victory over Olympiakos, bolstering their chances to advance in the group stage. An Olympiakos win would be a monumental upset though, and would only further fuel the fire of Arsenal's detractors.

Where: Emirates Stadium in London, England

When: Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 2:45 p.m. EDT

Watch: Fox Soccer Plus (USA), Sky Sports HD 2 (UK)

Live Stream: FoxSoccer.tv

Odds (via Bodog):

Arsenal (-275)

Olympiakos (+750)

Draw (+350)

Arsenal Injuries

Yossi Benayoun (out), Thomas Vermaelen (out), Abou Diaby (out), Jack Wilshere (out), John Djourou (questionable), Sebastien Squillaci (questionable)

Olympiakos Injuries

Ariel Miguel Santiago Ibagaza (questionable)

Biggest Storyline: Will Arsenal Put Aside Poor Premier League Play in Champions League?

Although the Gunners have struggled mightily thus far in the Premier League, they are still favored to advance in the Champions League. While Arsenal hasn't scored at an ideal rate, the biggest issue to this point has been the squad's defensive shortcomings.

No Premier League team has surrendered more goals than Arsenal (eight of which came against Manchester United) and they are one of just three teams to allow double-digit goals. Goalkeeping hasn't been particularly steady for the Gunners, but the back line hasn't been helpful either.

Luckily for Arsenal, Olympiakos doesn't bring a great deal of firepower to the table. If the Gunners can tighten up slightly defensively, they shouldn't have much trouble making tidy work of their opponents.

What They're Saying

Due to Arsenal's early Premier League struggles, manager Arsene Wenger has been under much scrutiny. Despite that, Wenger is just focusing on getting his team back to respectability while ignoring the naysayers, according to Richard Clarke of Arsenal.com. 

"

“It is not down to me to judge [their words],” he (Wenger) said. “I have to take that with a bit of distance.

“I just think it is part of life today. Football is a very popular sport and there is a lot of competition in the media.

“Everyone wants to make headlines in society and when you are in a big club you have to be strong enough to live and deal with that.”

"

Player To Watch for Arsenal: Striker Robin van Persie

Mystifying Dutch striker Robin van Persie has struggled in the early stages of Premier League play for the Gunners, but that can be said for most of Arsenal's players. While he has just one goal in five contests, van Persie is still Arsenal's most potent offensive player and will be key in their march through the Champions League.

Robin van Persie developed into an elite offensive player last season when he scored 18 goals in 19 Premier League matches. He also competed for the Netherlands' national team, which lost to Spain in the World Cup Final. A match against a lower-level team like Olympiakos could certainly improve van Persie's confidence, which would be huge for the Gunners.

Player To Watch for Olympiakos: Forward/Midfielder Kevin Mirallas

Belgian Kevin Mirallas is a Renaissance man of sorts for Olympiakos and is the catalyst to their offense. Mirallas is adept at striker, wing and midfielder and is undoubtedly Olympiakos' most dangerous scorer.

Mirallas led the Thrylos with 14 goals last season and will have to have a huge game if Olympiakos is to have any hope of hanging with Arsenal.

Even so, Mirallas won't be able to beat the Gunners on his own. Arsenal is sure to focus defensively on Mirallas and will likely make his life miserable. Mirallas will have to get plenty of help from his teammates as well, but that remains to be seen.

Prediction: Arsenal 3, Olympiakos 0