UEFA Champions League Preview: Predicting the Arsenal Starting XI vs. Olympiacos

Arsenal encounter Greek giants Olympiacos in their second match of the UEFA Champions League Group F at the Emirates Stadium in a must win encounter. The Gunners' performed admirably in their opening match against German Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund before an Ivan Perisic stunning volley late on secured a point for the Borussians.

Greece Champions Olympiacos endured a 1-0 loss to French kings Olympique de Marseille in their opening match and now travel to England, where the Legend has never succeeded. Many regard Group F as one of the toughest in the 2011/2012 UEFA Champions League whilst others believe Olympiacos are the weakest of the four teams. None the less Arsenal will have their hands full at the Emirates.

Arsene Wenger's men performed well in Germany and will enter their encounter with Olympiacos with renewed confidence following an impressive 3-0 defeat of Bolton in the Premier League. However, Arsene Wenger will be forced to watch from the stands as he continues a two match suspension which could greatly restrict the Gunners'.

None the less, despite their poor summer and start to 2011/2012, the North London giants will enter the match as clear favourites particularly with home ground advantage as they aim to establish group dominance.

As always, BleacherReport predicts the Arsenal starting XI.

Goalkeeper

Despite Arsenal's relative poor start to the 2011/2012 season and the large influx of conceded goals, Polish youngster Wojciech Szczesny is certain to retain his place as the Arsenal number one. Szczesny has been in strong form and is continuing his rapid rise as one of Europe's best young goalkeepers.

Countryman Lukasz Fabianski, who was solid during the Gunners' recent Carling Cup encounter with Shrewsbury Town, is set to maintain his presence as the deputy keeper. Italian youngster Vito Mannone is awaiting clearance for a loan move whilst veteran Manuel Almunia continues as fourth choice.

Defenders

Following the Gunners' 3-0 win over Bolton, reliable right back Bacary Sagna is certain to keep his spot, however, Brazilian left back Andre Santos is set to replace Kieran Gibbs, who will return to the bench.

In the centre, German giant Per Mertesacker is likely beside Frenchman Laurent Koscielny despite the pair playing against Bolton. However imposing Swiss Johan Djourou could replace either of the centre halves. Teenage sensation Iganis Miquel is likely to miss out on a substitute role alongside deputy right back Carl Jenkinson.

Veteran Sebastien Squillaci is said to be enduring a calf complaint whilst defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen is expected to return from  an ankle injury in under a month.

Midfielders

Arsenal were hit with a blow when 2010/2011 Arsenal Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year Jack Wilshere was ruled out until December following ankle surgery. However, Spanish play maker Mikel Arteta has adapted impressively since joining from Everton on the final day of the summer transfer window and the Spaniard is set to start in the attacking midfield role.

Israel captain Yossi Benayoun returns from a minor knee complaint but is unlikely to start ensuring Wales captain Aaron Ramsey will continue to partner Arteta. As usual renowned Cameroon international Alexandre Song will take on the defensive midfield duties.

Czech play maker played nine minutes against Bolton following a return from injury and is likely to make the substitutes bench with Benayoun and Ghanaian teenager Emmanuel Frimpong. Imposing Frenchman Abou Diaby is still nursing an ankle injury but is likely to return after the international break. Impressive youngsters Francis Coquelin and Oguzhan Ozyakup are set to miss out.

Forwards

Captain Robin van Persie brought up his 100th goal for Arsenal following a brace against Bolton and is certain to lead the front line against Olympiacos. England international Theo Walcott scummed to a knee injury against Bolton and is in contention to play in the UEFA Champions League but is unlikely to start.

Russian dynamo Andrei Arshavin is certain to start on the right with Ivorian forward Gervinho on the left wing. Arsene Wenger's attacking depth is highlighted with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Chu Young-Park, Ryo Miyaichi and possibly Walcott all set to miss out with Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh securing the final bench place.

Substitutes

With seven places available on Wenger's bench, Lukasz Fabianski will take on the deputy keeper role, Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou are the likely emergency defenders. Emmanuel Frimpong, Tomas Rosicky, Yossi Benayoun and Marouane Chamakh are set to be the impact forwards and midfielders.

A tough European clash for the Gunners'. Can Wenger's men withstand the Greek assault and secure their first win of the UEFA Champions League Group Stage for 2011/2012?