Ramsey Could Move Central Against Olympiakos

Match Preview: Arsenal vs Olympiakos - Champions League 29.09.2015

The Dinamo Zagreb result was a huge shock to Arsenal and their supporters. It was an abysmal performance capped off by a stupid red card to Olivier Giroud who will miss tonight's match against Olympiakos. The Greek side are familiar foes which could work in the Gunners' favour and with two back to back wins, including a return to convincing finishing, you'd be forgiven for thinking Arsenal are favourites.

Arsene will look to freshen up the side as many of the players have featured two to three times in the last 10 days and we might see a start for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Arsenal winger was part of the pre-match press conference which certainly suggests he will be involved.

Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini are both carrying small injuries and won't be available but there is better news with regards to Coquelin who could be match fit. With Manchester United to play at the weekend I would be inclined to save Coquelin and allow him to heal a little more.

With Giroud suspended Arsène Wenger has little choice but to play Theo Walcott and it's likely the England international will play the entire 90 minutes as Arsenal does not have a back up striker to come on for him. Nevertheless the pacey forward has been in excellent goalscoring form so he'll have favourable odds for first scorer so if you're planning to back him make sure you check the list of sites here to find the best odds for this match. Recent hat-trick hero Alexis Sanchez is a safe bet for a goal or two as well.

If Coquelin is rested and Oxlade-Chamberlain starts we could witness a return to the middle of the park for Aaron Ramsey. Many feel that he is wasted on the right and whilst it is true that he is less involved and not dictating play as much he is performing a vital role for the team and that is far from a waste. It will be interesting to see how we line up because a Ramsey/Cazorla partnership with Theo up top, Özil behind him and Alexis and Chamberlain on the wings it will be an all out attacking line up.

Olympiakos could be the perfect opposition to go all out attack on and if we do that could be the back in for Gabriel who has missed the past two matches due to suspension and circumstance. Mertesacker has been superb since coming back into the team and brings a real air of leadership and organisation but the lack of a recognised defensive midfielder would mean the speedier partnership of Gabriel and Koscielny could be preferred.

Even with the rotations we are bound to make our starting eleven will be strong and I expect Arsène will have hammered home to his players how important it is to win our home Champions League games, expecially after that nightmare start in Croatia.

LAST 3 meetings

• Olympiakos 2-1 Arsenal (04.12.2012)
• Arsenal 3-1 Olympiakos (03.10.2012)
• Olympiakis 3-1 Arsenal (06.12.2011)

FACTFILE

• Arsenal have never lost at home to Olympiakos
• Olympiakos have lost their last five away European matches
• Arsenal are unbeaten at home in 8 matches against Greek opposition
• Olympiakos have never won a European game in England, conceding 37 goals in 12 matches

INJURIES

Arteta (dead lead) and Flamini (knee) are missing whilst Giroud is suspended.

POSSIBLE STARTING XI

Cech, Monreal, Koscielny, Gabriel, Bellerin, Ramsey, Cazorla, Alexis, Özil, Chamberlain, Walcott

GOONERSPHERE's PREDICTION

Arsenal 3 - 0 Olympiakos

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