Arsenal will be looking to avoid a repeat of their previous Europa League campaign as they travel to take on Olympiacos in the last 16-tie. The match schedules for Thursday at Georgios Karaiskakis, with kickoff at 11 pm.
The hosts overcame PSV 5-4 on aggregate to advance to the next stage, while Arsenal staged a dramatic comeback to dump Benfica out in the last 32.
It has been over a year since Arsenal’s fateful exit from the Europa last 16-tie at the hands of Olympiacos. The face of Youssef El Arabi evokes fear amongst the faces of Gooners. It started with a 1-1 draw after the Gunners took a 1-0 lead in the first leg.
However, an El Rabi’s strike in the 119th minute before Captain Pierre-Erick Aubameyang missed a golden chance to send them to the quarter-finals. It is a memory that still haunts the captain to date.
Since the fateful date with Arsenal, much has taken place to win the FA Cup and Community Shield. The Greek powerhouses are a force to reckon with especially considering their stellar home form of late.
The Dutch giants did not make it easy for themselves against PSV. However, a 4-2 aggregate win saw them qualify for the last 16-tie for the second consecutive year. The hosts are currently unbeaten in 10 matches at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium.
Olympiacos vs. Arsenal Head to Head
Both sides have two games against each other, with both sides taking home one win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Olympiacos 3-0 PSA Lamia 1964
Aris Thessaloniki 1-1 Olympiacos
Volos NFC 1-2 Olympiacos
PSV Eindhoven 2-1 Olympiacos
Olympiacos 1-1 Aris Thessaloniki
Away
Arsenal 1-1 Burnley
Leicester City 1-3 Arsenal
Arsenal 3-2 Benfica
Arsenal 0-1 Manchester City
Benfica 1-1 Arsenal
Olympiacos Team News
There is a defensive crisis with center backs Ruben Semedo and Avraam Papadolous out with injuries. Ousseynou Ba came off the pitch after 18 minutes against Lamia, leaving Martins with a big call to make. Former Arsenal man Sokratis is nursing a shoulder problem but could pass fit for the game.
Arsenal Team News
Emile Smith Rowe’s hip problem kept him on the sidelines against Burnley; it could see him start on the bench with Martin Odegaard given the nod. Pepe missed a golden chance last weekend off the bench but could earn a spot after his impressive form lately.
Prediction and Odds
Most players from Arsenal’s team will face off a repeat to show off they are tougher since their humiliating exit.
Correct Score: 1-1
Draw
Both Teams to Score
