CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BETTING PICK - OLYMPIAKOS PIREUS V ARSENAL F.C

Champions League

2011-12-06 - Olympiakos Pireus vs Arsenal F.C

A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser

Match Preview :

Arsenal goes into their final group clash with Olympiakos fielding their second side or youth side tonight. Having assured of qualification as group winners, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will look to give some of his inexperienced players a chance to feature at the Karaiskakis Stadium.

The yongsters are going to face a tough time to keep their unbeaten record intact when they play in the intimidating atmosphere in Piraeus. This is because the Greek side are still in with a chance to secure the one remaining qualifying spot from Group F, although they must rely on Marseille slipping up at Borussia Dortmund to do so.

When they met on Matchday Two, Arsenal came out winners by emerging 2-1 winners in a closely fought game. Arsenal's teenage sensation Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is likely to feature again in Greece, grabbed the opening goal and was arguably the best player on the pitch before being substituted. Second goalscorer Andre Santos has also been included in the travelling squad, while the other man to hit the net in London was Olympiakos' David Fuster.

Even though there are no pressure on Wenger's side as they have already qualified, but the hosts are preparing for what is sure to be one of their biggest games of the season as they try and reach the knockout stages for the third time in five years.

The way it stands now is that if Marseille fail to win in Germany, any kind of victory will be enough to see them through, while a draw would be enough if Dortmund manage to win. Also it should be noted that the German champions could still go through if Olympiakos draw and Dortmund overturn their minus five goal difference deficit - the pair's head-to-head record being identical.

Team News :

It has to be said that only two players from the side that beat Wigan last Saturday 4-0 in the Premiership and that is Santos and Thomas Vermaelen have travelled to Greece with the Arsenal squad. Tomas Rosicky is back after missing time with a hamstring problem, while youngsters Ignasi Miquel, Nicholas Yennaris and Oguzhan Ozyakup could all make their debuts in this competition for the first time. And since Robin van Persie among those rested, Marouane Chamakh may be handed another chance up front.

Meanwhile for the hosts, Spaniard Fuster has been ruled out with a groin injury and will not play any part. Olympiakos boss Ernesto Valverde is also without experienced midfielder Ariel Ibagaza(thigh), while Jean Makoun and Ljubomir Fejsa have been ruled out with knee injuries. Francisco Yeste is rated doubtful with a calf injury.

Predictions :

Take Arsenal's youthful side to spring a surprise and accept the 3/4 ball here.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

Take Arsenal to win this match.