Arsenal hope for Greek goals galore

Tue Sep 29 2009 10:14:39

Arsenal and Olympiakos both have an opportunity to open a three-point lead at the top of Champions League Group H when they meet on Tuesday.

The two teams won their opening fixtures, against Standard Liege and AZ Alkmaar respectively, so victory at Emirates Stadium would see either side take a large step towards the first knockout round.

The Gunners made a disastrous start to their latest Champions League campaign, conceding two goals in the opening five minutes away to Standard Liege.

However, Wenger's men eventually turned things around and won the match 3-2.

That was the first of four successive victories in all competitions for Arsene Wenger's side and they will be looking to extend the run when they host Olympiakos.

Like Arsenal, the Greek side made a victorious start to their latest Champions League campaign.

Having signed a two-year coaching contract shortly before kick-off, former Brazilian international Zico watched from the stands as the five-time reigning Greek champions beat AZ Alkmaar 1-0.

Regular participants in the competition, Olympiakos reached the Champions League quarter-final stage in the 1998/99 season and went as far as the last 16 just two seasons ago.

Wenger is wary of the threat that the visitors will pose, particularly from crosses into the penalty area.

"I believe they are an experienced side. If you look at Olympiakos, I think for ten consecutive years (they have been) in the Champions League," the Frenchman said.

"That means there is a knowledge inside the club as well as a good technical level and the team is robust, much more height than you expect a Greek team to have.

"They are good in the air. Their game is mainly orientated on going wide and getting crosses in the box, where they have a good presence. So it will be important for us to block their game."

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