please log in to view this image UEFA Champions League 6th Tues Dec 2011 KO: 19:45 Karaiskakis Stadium Its the final round of the Champions League group stages and this match sees Arsenal take on Olympiakos in Greece. A match that has different emphasis for the two teams, Arsenal having already qualified for the last 16 will use this game to test their young players. Also a game which will give their squad players badly needed game time. For, Olympiakos this game is of the utmost importance. They have a real chance to get the runners up spot in group F behind Arsenal. Despite picking up zero points in their first two games, Olympiakos have managed to find themselves in a position where they need to better the result of Marseille who play Borussia Dortmund away. And this is a scenario that is very possible. Arsenal go into this game without much pressure and in all likelihood without any of their first team players. Arsenal secured their progress to the last of the CL thanks to a 2-1 win against Dortmund. Robin Van Persie scored the goals but it was a great team display where Arsenal worked all over the pitch. That win also saw Arsenal seal the top spot which means they will avoid the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid in the last 16 plus they get to play the 2nd at home. No doubt, Wenger will give another chance to his new patch of starlets. The likes of Alex Chamberlain,Miquel,Frimpong and Coquelin impressed against Man City in the Carling Cup. But this is a different test and a game where Olympiakos have everything to play for in front of a crowd who will create a hostile atmosphere. And that is always a test that young players need in order for them to develop. This game is also a chance for the squad players to get some minutes. The most in need are Chamakh and Park who both had very disappointing games against City. The competition for a spot as Van Persie's back-up is between these two and we will see who impresses more in the encounter against the Greek outfit. Olympiakos as mentioned before, have everything to play for in this game and they will be looking for their top scorer to deliver. Rafik Djebbour is that man and the Algerian has seven goals to his name this season. David Fuster is a threat from midfield and scored against Arsenal in the cross-pending fixture at the Emirates. He likes to makes runs from midfield and try to get on the end of things. He will remind you of someone like Frank Lampard. In defence they have the old warhorse Olof Mellberg. A man familiar to many fans in England. He was with Aston Villa for seven years and like Fuster had a very good game against Arsenal back in September. Olympiakos did run Arsenal close in that game and only lost by a single goal in the end. With everything to play for and having home support against a weakened Arsenal team you would probably give them the edge. But an Arsenal team that has no pressure and young players with talent to burn are always a threat. So do not rule out Arsenal winning yet another game in this group. Team News: Form Guide: Olympiakos: WDWLWW Arsenal: WWWDLW Three Key Match-ups: Rafik Djebbour please log in to view this image David Fuster please log in to view this image Olof Mellberg please log in to view this image Group F Standing: please log in to view this image * If Marseille win their game against Borussia Dortmund then they are through. * Olympiakos have to better the result of Marseille in order to progress. * A draw might see Olmpiakos progess IF Marseille take a heavy beating at Dortmund. * Dortmund need an Arsenal win and they have to hope they beat Marseille by four goals or more. Previous Games Stats: Arsenal vs Olympiakos Goals: 2 : 1 Bookings: 2 : 3 Possession: 58% : 42% Corners: 5 : 6 Goal Attempts: 13 : 16 On Target: 5 : 5 Fouls: 15 : 15 Offside: 3 : 4 please log in to view this image Mangers View: My Team: please log in to view this image Final Score: please log in to view this image
Again this match will be a good experience for frimpong coquelin oxo and miquel. I have not seen much of yennaris but it will be good to have a look at him as well. Also good to play a match against european opposition in what is usually a hostile atmosphere. I really do enjoy watching these games when there is basically nothing to play for from our point of view but because all of these young players will be hungry to prove themselves it will be a very competitive match and one that i am looking forward to, hopefully we can finish on a winning note.
Agree with all that. Watching how all the young players will do in this game is why I can't for the match even though we are through and have already got 1st spot.
I'll be chewing on a steak or something when it kicks-off. Might have to rush the pud and persuade the missus that having coffee late keeps her awake, which means I'll be trying to get my leg over. With luck she'll be happy to come home and I'll see the rest of the match.
Anyone else surprised to see TV in the squad? He is surely not going to Greece just to sit on the bench so he would probably play. Not sure about this myself.
If you want to get out of taking the missus out, ask if there's something she really wants for christmas and, if you can afford it, buy it. You'll take a financial hit, but you'll get more benefits than getting to watch an arsenal game
I guess Wenger wants to give him game time after he's returned from his injury, though that was a while ago, or maybe he wouldn't mind Arsenal losing but wants Vermi to make sure it isn't a thrashing, which would destroy the squad.
Really looking forward to the game too. I think it's a great opportunity for the younger players mentioned to get another game, great experience too for them playing in the Champions league away from home in Greece. It's come at a really good time for them too, with us already qualified and needing to give some players a break. It will be great to be able to watch this game knowing we're already through, without the pressure, whilst knowing that City Chelsea and Utd will all be sweating it out in the last game
I suppose so. If we can have a solid defence then it will allow the young players in midfield and on the wing to show their stuff. The way TV is playing right now he can even make the likes of Squillaci look good.
Not surprised Jack. Vermaelen hasn't been back that long, so I don't think he's fatigued like some players might be. Also he'll probably be captain for a changed team, so I think it's a good choice to have one of our most solid players in there
I would like to see Arshavin play behind Chamakh in a 4-4-1-1, with Park to come on later and swap with a winger who Arshavin can take the place of.
Would be good to see Arshavin through the middle Am I the only one a bit concerned with Fabianski in goal ?
nah, fabianski's good. we saw that last year before he got injured and was our number 1. he's still a bit suspect at crosses, but he's probably the best second keeper in the prem
He did do really well when he came in last season and I think he was understandably miffed when Szczesny took his place. At the time I think most Gooners were really enthusiastic about Szczesny coming in, which has proved right, and we suddenly had no more GK crisis, but I can see why Fabianski probably felt hard done by. That said, he made me a bit nervous against City, although I wouldn't have singled him out for much criticism. Olympiakos should be a good opportunity for him to get some confidence back
Nice to look forward to a match and not have to worry about the result. When last have we been able to say that?
It's a nothing game for us, chance to give some playing time to the squad, what worries me is that it's very much a game that matters for Olympiacos so I hope he doesn't go with a Carling Cup team, the youngsters will need some experience around them especially in that type of atmosphere. My biggest hope for tomorrow is not the result, just that every players gets through the game unscathed and comes back fit - given our history for serious injury I'd hate to see Oxo or Coq return to blighty on crutches.
