UEFA Champions League Preview: 6 Bold Predictions for Arsenal vs. Olympiacos

Arsenal encounter Greece champions Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League Group F, as the Gunners aim to assert their dominance over arguably one of Europe's toughest groups.

Arsene Wenger's men endured an exciting stalemate with German champions Borussia Dortmund in the previous group match, whilst Olympiacos suffered a 1-0 defeat to French champions Olympique de Marseille.

In what is set to be a tough clash for the Gunners at the Emirates, Olympiacos unfortunately have never succeeded in England, and their chances of breaking their drought look slim for the Legend.

Arsenal are beginning to find form following a 3-0 victory over Bolton in the Premier League, whilst their newly formed squad has adapted impressively following a large influx of deadline-day signings, alongside key departures.

Olympiacos are considered the weakest of Group H, but do possess adequate UEFA Champions League experience.

Meanwhile, the Gunners are still enduring a heavy injury toll which will ultimately have an effect. However, with home ground advantage and a huge need to succeed, many believe it will be a routine Arsenal victory.

BleacherReport establishes six bold predictions for the encounter.

6. Andre Santos Will Start and Impress

Arsenal's Brazilian left back Andre Santos was secured during the recent summer from Turkish giants Fenerbache for £6.2 million, but has yet to receive sufficient opportunities to prove his worth.

The 28-year-old has made one start for the Gunners, in the 4-3 defeat to Blackburn, but is set to start against Olympiacos.

Regular first-choice left back Kieran Gibbs is set to be rested, following consecutive matches in the League Cup and against Bolton on the weekend, ensuring Santos will receive a deserved chance.

The Brazilian is highly rated by Wenger, and the Frenchman is an expert at producing and establishing world-class full backs.

5. Robin Van Persie Will Continue His Scoring Run

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie was pivotal in the Gunners' recent 3-0 win over Bolton, netting the opening two goals and leading from the front.

The Dutchman, who netted 18 goals in 17 appearances for the North London giants from January onward last season, is currently in contract dispute with Wenger.

But, van Persie is certain to start against Olympiacos.

The 28-year-old is in sterling form, so it's only natural to believe the Holland international will engrave his name onto the score sheet. Particularly, as an impressive relationship with Mikel Arteta and Gervinho has blossomed.

4. Mikel Arteta Will Continue to Thrive, and Orchestrate the Arsenal Attack

Since arriving at the Emirates on deadline day of the recent summer, for £10 million from Everton, Mikel Arteta has thrived at Arsenal, adapting sensationally to Wenger's quick, incisive style of play.

Many critics touted the 29-year-old as a typical Arsenal player, but few envisioned a move would ever arise.

However, the playmaker wears the red and white, and has provided much-needed flair and creativity in the midfield, following the departures of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas.

Arteta will once again lead the Gunners' attack against Olympiacos, and fans can expect a big game from Wenger's No. 8.

3. The Arsenal Defence Will Not Concede

The Gunners registered their second clean sheet of the 2011-2012 Premier League season against Bolton, with centre half duo Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny performing admirably together once again.

The duo is likely to partner up against Olympiacos, and with the two evoking an impressive partnership, one can expect a clean sheet for the Gunners.

However, Koscielny must ensure that no lapses in concentration occur, as Mertesacker has had problems with positioning.

Nonetheless, they will have their hands full against an energetic Olympiacos attack, but the ability is present for Arsenal not to concede.

Furthermore, goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is in scintillating form.

2. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Will Star

Arsene Wenger has ruled out wingers Gervinho and Theo Walcott for the clash with Olympiacos.

Walcott sustained a minor knee injury against Bolton and failed to overcome a fitness test, and subsequently did not train ahead of the clash. Ivorian forward Gervinho sustained a calf injury and will miss the match, but is expected to be fit for the weekend.

A blow to the Gunners, it provides an exciting opportunity for teenager Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Considered one of the best young talents in England, Wenger signed Chamberlain from Southampton during the summer for £15 million, and the 18-year-old impressed in his debut start last week against Shrewsbury Town in the League Cup.

The Englishman was Arsenal's Man of the Match, and fans have high hopes for the dynamo.

With a likely start ahead of him against Olympiacos, expect big things from the young starlet.

1. Arsenal Will Win

Confidence is returning to the Gunners.

With a home crowd behind them, an in-form Robin van Persie and the likes of Alexandre Song, Mikel Arteta, Bacary Sagna and Wojciech Szczesny all playing strongly, it is hard to picture a doughty Olympiacos securing victory at the Emirates.

The need for success is too high for the North London giants, and it is highly likely an Arsenal win will emerge.