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UEFA Champions League: Olympiacos v Arsenal Preview

The final round of fixtures in Group H sees Greek champions Olympiacos host Arsenal in Athens desperately seeking the win they need to secure their place in the knockout phase as runners-up.

The Karaiskakis Stadium will be rocking come Wednesday evening as Olympiacos gear up for their most important match in this season's UEFA Champions League campaign.

Having secured a gritty 0-0 draw away to AZ Alkmaar on Matchday 5, the Τhrylos climbed up to second in the group on seven points, three ahead of third placed Standard Liege.

And come the end of the night Zico's men will be confident of grabbing the three points required to progress into the last 16 for the second time in three seasons having last done so in 2007.

In the land of the Gods, Olympiacos reign supreme having claimed 37 league crowns, nine of which came in the last decade alone, meaning the Gunners' unbeaten run away from home in Europe this season looks in mortal danger with Arsene Wenger having opted to include ten teenagers amongst the travelling party.

The hosts also come into the match bang on-form having downed Skoda Xanthi 1-0 away to remain top of the Greek League and keep their eight month unbeaten run domestically going.

One fact Arsene Wenger will be stressing to his men (sorry, boys!) will be that Olympiakos have won only two of 17 previous competitive clashes against English sides, losing 12.

However, the Frenchman will be fully aware that with qualification already assured, as well as a crippling injury list to contend with, his young guns may be in for a tough evening in the hostile atmosphere.

Team News:

Olympiacos are still without former Blackburn striker Matt Derbyshire has been nursing a groin injury since September.

The will also be without a host of other first-team players, including Argentine midfielder Cristian Ledesma and the defensive duo of Vassilis Torosidis (Swine Flu) and Michal Zewlakow (groin).

Brazilian striker Diogo (ankle), key midfielder Ieroklis Stoltidis (chest) will also miss out, however, coach Zico will be delighted to welcome back playmaker Luciano Galletti, as well as Leonardo and Avraam Papadopoulos.

Arsenalhave already secured top spot in the group after defeating Standard Liege 2-0 on Matchday 5, and Arsene Wenger will ring in the changes for the trip to Athens, with Mikael Silvestre skippering the side.

Probable Line Ups; *Star Man:

Olympiacos
(4-4-2): Nikopolidis; Galitsios, A Papadopoulos, Mellberg, Raul Bravo; Galletti*, Dudu, Maresca, Leonardo; Oscar, Mitroglou.

Arsenal (4-3-3): Fabianski; Gilbert, Song, Silvestre, Cruise, Eastmond, Ramsey, Merida, Walcott*, Vela, Wilshere

ExtraFootie Prediction: Olympiacos 3 - 1 Arsenal. Olympiacos will fancy their chances against a second string Arsenal side with Arsene Wenger having one eye firmly on Sunday's trip to Anfield.

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