Arsenal vs Olympiakos Match Prediction and Odds
Date: March 18th, 2021
Venue: Emirates Stadium, North London.
In what has been a frustrating season for Arsenal, the Europa League presents their only chance of silverware this term and they will be doing all they can to protect their 3-1 lead over Olympiakos heading into the second leg.
The sides were locked at 1-1 for the majority of the contest in Greece last week, before two late Gunners goals gave Arsenal the advantage heading into the second leg. Olympiakos knocked out Arsenal at this stage of the competition last year and they will be hoping to stage another remarkable comeback here.
Match Preview:
Arsenal
Domestic League Position: 10th
Recent Form (All Competitions): W – D – W – W – L
Top Goal Scorer (All Competitions): Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 14
It has been a rollercoaster season for Arsenal and their manager Mikel Arteta, who came back from the brink of losing his job in December.
The Gunners sit 10th in the Premier League table, some distance from the sides above them challenging for a top 4 berth and there appears to be serious work to do at the Emirates Stadium.
Thankfully for Arteta, the Europa League has proved a welcome distraction this term and they look well placed heading into the second leg at home here – having won well in Greece last week.
Bernd Leno has been a rock in goal for the Gunners this term, whilst Gabriel and Rob Holding have been the preferred central defensive partnership in the Europa League.
Youngsters Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe have also showcased their talents in this competition and look to have bright futures ahead of them for the Gunners.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang continues to be Arsenal’s talisman and his goals will be crucial if they are to go all the way in the Europa League this term.
Europa League Last 16 – First Leg Results:
Olympiakos
Domestic League Position: 1st
Recent Form (All Competitions): L – W – D – W – L
Top Goal Scorer (All Competitions): Youssef El Arabi – 18
Domestically, Olympiakos have blown away all before them in the Greek Super League this season and find themselves 17 points clear of the chasing pack.
Pedro Martins has done an excellent job with the Greek giants and as they continue to fight on three fronts, they will be hoping to overturn a 3-1 deficit quickly here.
With only one defeat in Greek football this season, Olympiakos are a side full of confidence and last year’s win at the Emirates is further proof that they should never be written off.
Former Gunners defender Sokratis and Yann M’Vila provide a wealth of defensive experience for Olympiakos, who will be looking to make life tough from the outset for Arsenal.
Experienced midfielder Mathieu Valbuena continues to churn out the performances for Olympiakos and he will be looking to feed the lethal Youssef El Arabi, who has a habit of scoring against the Gunners.
Arsenal vs Olympiakos – Match Prediction
The two late goals scored by Arsenal in the first leg in Greece, make the Gunners strong favourites to progress to the last 8 here – with Olympiakos needing at least 3 on the night here.
As a standalone fixture though, it should be an entertaining game, which Arsenal should just about prevail from.
Predicted Result: Arsenal to win the match
Predicted Correct Score: Arsenal 2 – 1 Olympiakos
