Arsenal Set to Shake Up Squad with Six Key Changes for Olympiacos Clash
Following an outstanding weekend performance, Arsenal face Champions League action midweek against a well-known opponent.
Though the Gunners last met Olympiacos in 2021, these clubs have clashed 12 times from 2009 onwards.
Mikel Arteta's team kicked off their European journey with a commanding 2–0 triumph over Athletic Club, needing substitutes to secure the result, while their Greek rivals were held by tournament newcomers Pafos FC in a scoreless stalemate despite Pafos playing most of the match a man down.
José Luis Mendilibar's squad certainly possesses quality and a track record of Emirates success, but this represents a massive test, even for an Arsenal team expected to feature significant rotation from Sunday's victory.
Here's how the North Londoners might set up on Wednesday evening.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Olympiacos (4-3-3)
GK: David Raya—Arteta will certainly rotate his squad from St. James' Park, but first-choice keeper Raya is expected to retain his place.
RB: Ben White—Jurriën Timber delivered an outstanding weekend display, and Arteta will likely give him a breather by restoring White to the starting eleven.
CB: Cristhian Mosquera—The summer signing was tipped to start at St. James' Park, but his poor clearance contributed to the corner that led to Newcastle's goal. He was substituted at halftime. Nevertheless, William Saliba can rest before the weekend.
CB: Gabriel—Piero Hincapié's ongoing unavailability means Gabriel should remain in the team following his excellent performance on Tyneside.
LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly—The academy graduate has had limited chances early in 2025–26, but he's a strong candidate to enter the XI on Wednesday.
CM: Christian Nørgaard—Arsenal don't need anything extraordinary from Nørgaard. They simply require him to stay healthy and deputize for Martín Zubimendi when needed.
CM: Mikel Merino—Merino's goal sparked Arsenal's fightback at the weekend, and he might be rewarded with a midweek starting berth.
CM: Martin Ødegaard—The captain has endured a sluggish start to the campaign, hampered by a shoulder problem. However, his brief St. James' appearance showed glimpses of his quality. He appears ready for a full start.
RW: Bukayo Saka—Ethan Nwaneri represents another choice for Arteta, but the manager has deployed the academy talent in central positions this season. Therefore Saka, still regaining match sharpness, may get another opportunity. He'll be eager for a productive evening.
ST: Viktor Gyökeres—Gyökeres showed promise on Sunday, and the manager will be satisfied with his shot frequency. He'll get another chance to convert on Wednesday.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli—The dynamic winger made a crucial impact as a substitute in Arsenal's opening weekend success, though Leandro Trossard has been favored over Martinelli recently. He's already halfway to matching his best single-season Champions League scoring record.
