Arsenal vs. Olympiacos: Match-Day Preview, Projected Lineups and More

The Gunners look to repeat the success of last year's first home Champions League match, at which they gave Sporting de Braga a 6-0 thumping.

After a tough draw in their opening round against a competitive Borussia Dortmund, they return to the Emirates against a hungry Olympiacos.

The Athenians lost their first group stage match 1-0 to Marseille. Despite a great effort in Piraeus, solid striker Kevin Mirallas couldn't seal the deal, and they come into this match at the bottom of the group. Expect them to fight hard for a shot at redemption. 

After a Premiership win over Bolton, featuring great performances from captain Robin van Persie, Alex Song and newcomer Mikel Arteta, Arsenal are making offensive improvements and should be in a good place to perform well against Olympiacos.

But the Gunners also come into Wednesday with a handful of key names out with injuries (Thomas Vermaelen, Yossi Benayoun and a long-benched Jack Wilshere among them).

Read on for projected lineups, injury reports, match-day considerations and more.

Lineup: Arsenal

Although missing some key figures in the lineup, Arsene Wenger's side can take some relief as Theo Walcott will most likely not have to sit out this one due to injury. After he pulled his hamstring during a cracking performance against Bolton Wanderers, Arsenal feared he would miss the Olympiacos match. 

Expect a similar lineup to the one that took out Bolton Wanderers over the weekend. Another possible formation would be a 4-2-3-1 with van Persie as the sole striker and Gervinho, Ramsey and Walcott backing the attack.

Player to Watch:

Although he has been perceived as an unnatural leader and his fate at the club is reportedly in flux, Robin van Persie fulfilled his armband-bearing role in a big way over the weekend against Bolton, scoring his 100th goal for the club in their 3-0 victory. As questions over his staying start to appear, coupled with the fact that he's playing very well, all eyes will be on him in these next few matches for the Gunners.

Predicted Starting XI (4-4-2):

Szczesny; Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Arteta, Song, Gervinho, Walcott; Ramsey, Van Persie

Lineup: Olympiacos

Ernesto Valverde's side has looked strong with back-to-back wins at the start of the Greek Super League season.

Expect an attack-focused lineup with the possible addition of Swedish defender and former Aston Villa-man Olof Mellberg, who, while in the Premiership, was the first opposing player to score at the new Emirates stadium. 

As in the Marseille match, expect the team from Piraeus to bring on Kevin Mirallas in a key offensive role, either as a winger with veteran Marko Pantelić in the striking role or with Mirallas as the sole striker and Pantelić as a clutch substitute in the second half (probably the latter). 

Player to Watch:

Mirallas has been on fire, with a great performance in his opening Champions League appearance against Marseillem and has led Olympiacos to two consecutive Greek Super League wins. His versatility and capability as a wide player as well as a striker will give Arsenal's defense a headache. 

Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1):

Costanzo; Torosidis, A. Papadopoulos, Mellberg, Holebas; Orbaiz, Modesto; Fuster, Abdoun, Djebbour; Mirallas

Match-Day Considerations and Injuries/Absences

More Match-day Considerations:

+ Offensively Inclined:

Both sides have formidable attacking power and strikers who look especially capable after their respective league victories. Expect a fierce battle over possession and a close match score-wise. 

+ A Resonant Song:

Gunners midfielder Alex Song established himself as one to watch after landing an excellent goal in injury time.

The midfielder had a long hiatus in the first few weeks of the season due to a three-match suspension, only to score an own goal on his return in Arsenal's 4-3 loss to Blackburn. Last weekend, Song had a much better showing, maintaining the midfield well and playing a big role in the Gunners' victory. If he stays in top form, he and Mikel Arteta will make the Arsenal midfield unstoppable.

Another on-the-rise Gunner worth watching is left-back Kieran Gibbs, who scored a goal in Arsenal's league cup win over Shrewsbury Town and gave a good effort against Bolton.

+ The Walking Wounded:

Both squads will be without some key players, and success will be determined by how they can cope with the losses.

Arsenal is missing its best defender with Thomas Vermaelen out with an ankle injury, and his absence was felt against Bolton, with the defensive squad struggling in the first half.

Olympiacos is without promising 20-year-old attacker Giannis Fetfatzidis, whose skill and speed have earned him the nickname "The Greek Messi."

Injuries/Absences:

Arsenal:

Yossi Benayoun (side strain), Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles tendon), Jack Wilshere (long-term ankle injury), Sebastien Squillaci (calf), Abou Diaby (ankle), Johan Djourou (hamstring)

Olympiacos:

Giannis Fetfatzidis (abdominals), Giannis Maniatis (groin), Ljubomir Fejsa (groin), Giannis Potouridis (groin)