The club are running away with the Greek Super League while prospering in Europe with a policy of containment and frustration Expect Arsenal to have the ball. Expect Olympiakos not to care. The joke in Greece goes that Olympiakos’s desire to play on the break creates the impression the thought of passing straight to their opponents has crossed their mind and, if Arsenal are to secure the two-goal margin of victory they need to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday, then Arsène Wenger will have to come up with a cunning tactical plan against a team who will be happy to sit back and soak up pressure. Playing at home will not compel Olympiakos to attack or distract them from their primary task, which will be to contain and frustrate Wenger’s side. Nor will they allow themselves to be lured out of their defensive shape because of Arsenal’s sprawling injury list. They will not be quite as defensive as José Mourinho’s Internazionale were when they drove Barcelona mad in their 2010 semi-final. Yet even if Olympiakos decide to test a depleted Arsenal’s nerve in the opening exchanges at the intimidating Karaiskakis Stadium, it is unlikely they will be gung ho. Continue reading...
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