Arsenal v Olympiakos predictions

Arsenal v Olympiakos predictions and preview: Betting stats

Team News and Run of Play

Arsenal are without one of their more physical midfielders as Diaby got injured against Chelsea this weekend. Ramsey took a knock but is expected to be fit. Rosický and Wilshere are still out of action. Coquelin has shaken off a sickness and is contention, so is the physical, but young and unstable Frimpong. Olympiakos should field a solid team. The Greek powerhouse has a good mix of players in the squad, and a decent spine starting with experienced Roy Carroll in goal, ending up with on fire forward thinking Djebbour, who has notched six goals in the Greek league. Overall, this is a typical Olympiakos squad, and there isn't much more to say about that. They will be weakend slightly though as striker Rafik Djebbour is missing out. François Modesto will undergo a late fitness test, but it's unclear if he will play.

I expect Arsenal to try move tha ball around quickly. They have the player material for it. With Diaby out they will lack some physical presence in midfield. That is a clear minus. Anyways, I would be very surprised if they couldn't manage between 55-60% possession in this game. That should give them enough chances. Arsenal seems very on/off in terms of converting them. Against lesser teams that give them room and space they convert well, as we have seen in various cup games. When the pressure is high however, they struggle more. So, it will be up to the Greeks to make sure the massive forward line of Arsenal doesn't get to enjoy themselves too much.

Olympiakos will probably be allowed to have the ball 40-45% of the time, and they will be encouraged by the narrow loss they suffered against Arsenal last year. In that game Arsenal looked comfortable until David Fuster scored in the 27th minute. After that it was a very even affair. What let Arsenal down at that moment was really poor defending though. They look like they've shored up the defence since then, and I can't see them feeling comfy within the half hour mark again should they be up by two goals this time around.

For me; Olympiakos will need to fight like madmen against the flowing midfielders and attacking players that Wenger will field. That's their chance, and I am sure they are going to try. The midfield battle will be key here. If Wenger decides to go with Frimpong in order to add some beef to the midfield; expect the unexpected. He is very prone to rash tackles and could be a big liability in a game of this high importance. Olympiakos will target him for a sending off for sure if he gets on a yellow early. Olympiakos will otherwise try to hit the Londoners on the break. Arsenal can still get a bit naive going forward, and if Olympiakos doesn't lay down too deep with their midfield they can probably pick up a chance or two.

Arsenal v Olympiakos predictions: 1X2 betting preview

Arsenal have improved so much in defence and got so much cover in midfield that I think the game last year indicate a run towards the greek goal. It will be up to whoever starts of Podolski, Cazorla, Giroud and Gervinho to convert the chances created though. Olympiakos will look to build on their good win against Panathinaikos this weekend and the even battle between the two sides last year. They come to fight. I can't realistically think Olympiakos are going to be much of a match for the very dynamic Arsenal side. I can't see this being much else than a home win unless Arsenal mess this up for themselves. 1.364 offered by VC Bet is therefore acceptable. I do not think Arsenal will be letting them self down here.

If you agree; VC Bet's 1.364 can be taken here

Arsenal v Olympiakos predictions: Asian Handicap preview

As I said earlier, Arsenal's biggest danger in this game must be them self. If they can keep their heads cool and just focus on the job they should get a really good result out of this game. I am however not trusting this side just yet, so no -1.5 or -2 for me. I will rather take them -1 on the Asian Handicap. This, in my opinon weigh in that Olympiakos might have an advantage physically in the middle of the park, and can stress the midfield of Arsenal as well as Arsenal still having to many off days in front of the opposition goal. VC Bet is again best in class with 1.60. I take that odds.

If you believe 1.60 for Arsenal -1 on the Asian Handicap is good, go to VC Bet and take the bet here. EDIT: This bet is now even better after getting the news that Olympiakos is weakened in the attacking side of their game due to injury.

If you want to learn more about Asian Handicap betting (and you should if you are not familiar with the concept). Feel free to browse our very easy to read articles on the subject here: Asian Handicap

Arsenal v Olympiakos predictions: Total Goals preview

Even if Olympiakos will try to be tight and have a good mix of experience and young talent (like: Manolas) in defence, this do resemble an over game. Arsenal is less physical in midfield, so they will be hurt slightly defensively. Olympiakos are familiar with scoring at the Emirates, and the home side should dominate and create chances. Looking at the listed betting stats on top as well, the odds of 1.714 at Pinnacle Sports look massive. I take it now before the odds drops even more, and I think it will.

If you agree with me and think 1.714 is good odds; go to Pinnacle Sports and place the bet here

Arsenal v Olympiakos predictions: Rounding it off

It has been a pleasure analyzing this game for you. I hope you enjoyed reading it as well. If you want to read more writeups like this, you can find them here: Howtobet.net betting predictions

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