Arsenal picked up a narrow 1-0 in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 32 last week against Olympiacos and now they face the Greek side in the second leg at home this Thursday.
Lacazette scored the only goal of the first leg 10 minutes before full time but Olympiacos clearly showed that they have the firepower to disrupt the Gunners defence meaning Arteta’s men will have to be on their toes when these two sides meet at the Emirates in midweek.
Going into this match, the manager has a number of injury concerns and the latest addition to that list is Sead Kolasinac but he does have the proper backups to each of his injured players so Arteta should not be really worried going into this match.
Arsenal team news vs Olympiacos:
David Luiz and Mustafi have started in central defence for the past two matches for Arsenal and the pair should take centre-stage once again in midweek.
Kolasinac took a heavy blow during Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Everton on Sunday and is unlikely to feature on Thursday meaning young Bukayo Saka will once again start at left-back.
Hector Bellerin played at right-back vs Everton on Sunday but the Spaniard is expected to be rested in midweek as Sokratis doubles up as a full-back.
Matteo Guendouzi once again found himself on the bench against the Toffees during the weekend but the manager should name him in the first XI vs Olympiacos despite the pair’s recent tussles off the pitch.
Lucas Torriera came off the bench on Sunday and there’s a chance he could start in central midfield replacing Granit Xhaka. But it remains to be seen if the Arsenal manager opts to lose the experience of Xhaka and use Torreira instead.
Mesut Ozil has rediscovered his touch under Mikel Arteta but the German will most certainly be rested in order to make way for young Joe Willock.
Aubameyang scored a brace against Everton on Sunday but the Gabon international is likely to make way for Gabriel Martinelli on the left-hand side while Nicolas Pepe plays on the right flank.
Lacazette found himself on the bench on Sunday during the Gunners’ league win against Everton as the Arsenal manager opted to use Nketiah upfront. But the Frenchman will most certainly return to the starting line-up against Olympiacos on Thursday.
