Arsenal v Olympiakos preview

29 September 2009 10:00
Arsene Wenger will be hoping for an early celebration when Arsenal entertain Olympiakos in their second UEFA Champions League group game. The Frenchman will complete 13 years as Arsenal manager on Thursday - a milestone which will see him become the club's longest-serving boss. He will be looking for three points from his team's first home game in Group H following a dramatic start to the stage a fortnight ago. Arsenal conceded two goals in the opening five minutes away to Standard Liege before a stirring comeback was completed by Eduardo's scruffy winner securing a 3-2 success. Eduardo is back in the squad for Tuesday's clash at Emirates Stadium, but Wenger is missing a couple of his other attacking outlets. Nicklas Bendtner will sit out the game after the Danish striker was 'badly shaken' in a car crash on Sunday, although he is expected to return against Blackburn Rovers at the weekend. Theo Walcott will also not be involved due to a lack of match fitness, but Wenger is confident the quick-silver winger will be back in his plans from next week. A further injury blow arrived on Monday with Wenger confirming Brazilian midfielder Denilson is out for two months due to a small fracture in his back. Wenger will also continue with rookie keeper Vito Mannone after the Italian youngster's impressive display in Saturday's 1-0 win at Fulham. With Manuel Almunia laid low by a virus, and Lukasz Fabianski injured, third-choice keeper Mannone will be given another chance. Olympiakos also made a winning start to the group as Vassilis Torosidis' goal was enough to clinch the points at home to AZ Alkmaar. New coach Zico watched that match from the stands following his swift appointment as Temuri Ketsbaia's replacement and he will officially take charge of his first Champions League game at the Greek giants' helm. He will be without Matt Derbyshire, though, as the former Blackburn Rovers striker misses out due to a groin injury. Another player with experience of the English game to sit out the tie is Enzo Maresca as the ex-West Brom midfielder has a thigh complaint. But former Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg, who has the distinction of scoring the first competitive goal at Emirates Stadium, is in the Olympiakos squad.

Source: SKY_Sports