Arsenal Prediction: Probable XI to face Olympiacos

Arsenal take on Olympiacos at the Karaiskakis Stadium in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie on Thursday, having topped group F.

The Gunners are on a high, having thrashed Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon. They are unbeaten in their last eight games across all competitions, showing signs of improvement under new manager Mikel Arteta.

However, Mikel Arteta’s boys will face a tough test at Olympiacos, who were knocked out of the Champions League group stages.

Team News

January signing Pablo Mari has resumed full training and could be available for selection against Olympiacos. Arsenal don’t have fresh injury concerns ahead of the game.

Arsenal Prediction: Probable XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Bernd Leno (GK)

Leno is Arsenal’s undisputed first-choice in goal and should start against Olympiacos.

Hector Bellerin (RB)

Bellerin had a solid game in the 4-0 victory over Newcastle and should retain his place at right-back on Thursday.

Shkodran Mustafi (CB)

A clean sheet in the last Premier League outing should give Mustafi and other defenders a lot of confidence. The German should get the nod to start the game in Greece.

David Luiz (CB)

Partnering Mustafi in central defence should be Luiz, who has improved under the management of Arteta.

Bukayo Saka (LB)

Saka has made a strong impression in an unfamiliar left-back position following injuries to Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac. The teenager will retain his place in the Gunners’ back four on Thursday.

Dani Ceballos (CM)

Ceballos was handed a Premier League start against Newcastle, his first since November and he didn’t disappoint. He should start against the Greek giants.

Granit Xhaka (CM)

Xhaka is the most improved player under Arteta. The Swiss will look to dictate the play along with Ceballos in the middle of the park.

Nicolas Pepe (RW)

Pepe is slowly starting to show his quality in Arsenal shirt. The Ivorian supplied two assists and scored a goal against Newcastle on Sunday.

Mesut Ozil (CAM)

Ozil will be relieved to have scored his first goal in 10 months as he got on the scoresheet against Newcastle. The German will start in his usual No.10 position on Thursday.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW)

Martinelli has enjoyed a fantastic debut season for the Gunners, netting 10 goals in all competitions so far. The Brazilian will start on the left flank.

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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST)

Arsenal’s top scorer this season, Aubameyang will look to get on the score sheet at Olympiacos after opening the scoring against Newcastle on Sunday.