Arsenal look to use first leg lead to progress past Olympiakos into last 16

Arsenal will hope to reach the last 16 of the Europa League when they face Olympiakos on Thursday.

Alexandre Lacazette’s 81st minute goal proved enough to conquer the Greeks in the first encounter between the two sides, Arsenal seeking to go one step further in the Europa League after last season’s losing effort in the final against Chelsea.

The defeat to Arsenal remains Olympiakos’ only loss in their last five having overcome PAOK at the weekend. Arteta’s team conquered Everton 3-2 in an entertaining affair.

His side remain unbeaten in 2020 and will hope the good form of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Buyako Saka continues under the lights at the Emirates.

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Send Kolasinac is out for the Gunners but other than that Mikel Arteta has almost a fully fit squad to choose from, Kieran Tierney also back in training for the north Londonders.

Ruben Semedo, who scored against Arsenal’s rivals Tottenham in the Champions League group stages last time he was in north London, is suspended whilst Hilal Soudani remains out for the Greek side.

Mikel Arteta was in a positive mood ahead of the match at the Emirates:

“I was very pleased with the general performance [in the first leg]apart from the first ten minutes when we gave the ball away. The team played with a lot of personality and we managed to score which is positive.

The team is progressing well, the club is looking in a better place, we are getting unity. There’s a lot of positives but still a lot to improve.”

Olympiakos boss Pedro Martins referenced his team’s visit to Tottenham as reason for confidence ahead of the tie:

“It was tough for us, but it was also tough for Tottenham. We have our quality and we will never change our identity, never. This is Olympiacos and you will see that again in London.

“I believe in this team because there is a good environment inside and a good spirit. I believe we can win at Arsenal.”

PLAYED – 9

ARSENAL WINS – 5

DRAWS – 0

OLYMPIAKOS WINS – 4