The Daily Star Ireland
After a busy and carefully planned transfer window, Arsenal look like one of the strongest contenders for the 2025/26 Champions League. Last season, their semi-final elimination by Paris Saint-Germain highlighted gaps in their squad depth — notably the lack of a reliable third central defender behind William Saliba and Gabriel, and the absence of a clinical striker. Over the summer, Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal board addressed those weaknesses with smart reinforcements, raising expectations of a serious title push in Europe.
Arsenal’s Early Season Form
Despite their squad improvements, Arsenal’s Premier League campaign has started unevenly. The Gunners currently sit second, already trailing leaders Liverpool by five points. Their 1-0 defeat at Anfield on August 31 and a 1-1 draw against Manchester City on September 21 showed the fine margins in domestic competition. A tough away fixture at Newcastle looms on Sunday, making this a crucial stretch for Arteta’s side.
In Europe, however, Arsenal began strongly. On Matchday 1, they traveled to Spain and secured a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao, demonstrating maturity and efficiency away from home.
Olympiacos Seeking Redemption
Olympiacos enter this campaign as reigning champions of Greece, reclaiming the domestic crown in 2025 after rivals PAOK’s success the previous year. Managed by José Luis Mendilibar, formerly of Sevilla, the club remains a formidable presence in Greek football.
Their Champions League start was less convincing. Hosting Cypriot side Paphos two weeks ago, Olympiacos were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw, even though their opponents were reduced to ten men as early as the 25th minute. Dropping points at home in such circumstances was widely regarded as a major setback.
Team News: Key Absences and Returns
Arsenal will once again be without captain Martin Ødegaard, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury. Gabriel Jesus, still recovering from a long-term problem, was not registered for the competition, while German midfielder Kai Havertz — one of last season’s key performers — is also unavailable. The good news for Arteta is the expected return of Bukayo Saka, who missed the opening European fixture but should reclaim his spot on the wing.
Among the new arrivals, midfielder Martín Zubimendi has already settled well, offering stability in the center of the pitch alongside Declan Rice. Eberechi Eze, signed to add creativity, is adapting quickly, while Noni Madueke impressed with a start against Manchester City. Forward Viktor Gyökeres has scored three league goals and continues to develop, though he trails Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who already has six in the Premier League and one in the Champions League.
Olympiacos, meanwhile, face selection issues of their own. Turkish international Yusuf Yazıcı and Rémy Cabella, both summer recruits, were not registered for the Champions League. Defensive reinforcements Rúben Vezo and Mancha are also ineligible. Goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis, suspended for the Paphos match after a red card, is available again. However, several players remain sidelined, including midfield prospect Pnevmonidis, veteran Andreas Martins, and striker Roman Yaremchuk.
Mendilibar has yet to consistently pair strikers Mehdi Taremi and Ayoub El Kaabi, despite both being in form with two and three domestic goals respectively. Rising star Nikolaos Koustoulas, who scored seven goals in the Greek league last season at just 18, departed this summer for Brighton in a €35 million move.
Match Outlook and Prediction
Arsenal head into this fixture with realistic ambitions of going deep in the Champions League. Their home record in Europe is formidable, with six wins in their last seven matches at the Emirates Stadium. Olympiacos, in contrast, have struggled on the road in continental competitions, losing nine of their last twelve away games.
With greater squad depth, strong attacking options, and home advantage, Arsenal are clear favorites. Olympiacos will need a near-perfect display to avoid defeat, but recent performances suggest they may find it difficult to cope with the intensity of Arteta’s side.
Predicted Score: Arsenal 3 – 0 Olympiacos Piraeus
