We’ve witnessed some amazing results this week’s champions league round of 16 showdown and some unexpected ones as well. Nevertheless, it has been an amazing champions league week. Attention now turns to the Europa League part 2 which will be kicking off later today and as always, there are lots of exciting fixtures coming up. Arsenal who are one leg closer to progressing to the next round will be hosting Olympiacos for the return leg fixture at home as they aim to complete what they started at the Karaiskakis Stadium.
Arsenal as we all know, are most likely putting all their focus in the Europa League, to try to win it as it is one of the options to play champions league football next season. Last season saw them come close by reaching the finals but Chelsea proved too strong for them to handle. This season has be very tough for the Gunners and from the look of things, finishing in the top 4 is even more of a difficult task even though they’ve gotten back-to-back wins in their last 2 premier league games. Notwithstanding, top 4 isn’t too far off for them as there are only 7 points outside the top 4 and are just 4 points shy of the top 5 which could become a palatable position if the 2-year UEFA ban on Man City remains. The Gunners are hoping to finalize what they started in the first leg against Olympiacos, getting the crucial 1 nil win and away goal at the Karaiskakis Stadium, later tonight when they host Olympiacos at the Emirates Stadium for the return leg fixture.
Arsenal are expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. As a team who are trying to build an identity, all thanks to Arteta who has learnt a lot from Guardiola, they will obviously set up to dominate possession and try to find spaces to hurt Olympiacos.
Olympiacos are on the back foot at the moment, conceding defeat at home which means that they need to win against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium with at least a 2 goal margin to ensure qualification into the next round. So far so good, the tie isn’t over yet and there’s everything still left to play for in this second leg fixture. This will give Olympiacos the confidence going into this game knowing fully well that there is still a huge chance for the to make it through to the next round, or at most, most, take the tie to penalties. They are the underdogs in this fixture but as well know, what is on paper doesn’t matter but rather what happens on the pitch. This will definitely be at the back of their minds going into this game, knowing fully well that all they need to do is put in a top-level performance and they stand a chance of progressing to the next round.
Olympiacos are expected to set up in a 4-3-3 formation. like we saw in the first leg, they played some good football at home and created a couple of chances, and will be aiming to do the same at the Emirates Stadium.
What do you think will be the outcome of this fixture?
I would love to read your thoughts and opinions… Enjoy your day.
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