Arsenal are not likely to get anywhere near the top-four of the Premier League this season so winning the Europa League has become really important for Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners are now in the Round of 16 of the tournament and they will face Olympiacos in the first leg this midweek in Greece.
Olympiacos knocked out Arsenal in the last 32 of the Europa League last season but a repeat of that upset is not likely to happen this time around, given the fact that Arsenal are a much more cohesive unit.
Arsenal have only won one of their last five away matches and this might be a real cause of concern for their manager as it will be an added incentive for the Greek side to coming firing out of the blocks on Thursday night.
Arsenal team news vs Olympiacos:
Pablo Mari and David Luiz paired up in central defence against Burnley during the weekend but the former could move to the bench in midweek, making way for Gabriel.
Callum Chambers was a surprise inclusion into the side for the 1-1 draw but Hector Bellerin should come back into the side against Olympiacos. Cedric is also an option at right-back but Arteta is expected to stick with Bellerin.
Granit Xhaka and Thomas are the first-choice central defensive pairing for Arsenal right now and barring any late injuries, the two will be named in the starting XI on Thursday.
Emile Smith Rowe is the only Arsenal player who is out with an injury which means Martin Odegaard will get a start in midweek. Dani Ceballos came on as a sub vs Burnley and he should play the same role against Olympiacos as well.
Nicolas Pepe is likely to come back into the first XI which could force Bukayo Saka to operate on the left flank.
Aubameyang was used as a centre-forward during the weekend and Mikel Arteta might use him in the same role against Olympiacos as well. With Auba playing down the middle, Lacazette will once again warm the benches and might come on, if needed, in the second half.
Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Olympiacos:
Predicted Starting Line-up: Bernd Leno; Gabriel, Luiz, Bellerin, Tierney; Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey, Odegaard; Aubameyang, Nicolas Pepe, Bukayo Saka.
Stats via Whoscored.
