Mansion Sports – The UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 continues to deliver thrilling encounters, and one of the standout fixtures on matchday two sees Arsenal host Olympiakos at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 20:00 local time.

This clash is more than just another group-stage match. It features two clubs with deep European traditions and pits the tactical nous of Mikel Arteta against the experience of Jose Luis Mendilibar. 

Arsenal arrive with momentum on their side, while Olympiakos will be determined to reverse their struggles on the continental stage.

Arsenal’s Current Condition Ahead of the Match

Arsenal come into this fixture in strong form. They recently secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Newcastle, with Gabriel Magalhaes netting the decisive goal in stoppage time following an assist from Martin Odegaard. 

The result kept the Gunners within two points of the Premier League summit, reinforcing their domestic consistency.

In Europe, Arsenal began their Champions League campaign confidently, recording a 2-0 away win against Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés. 

The depth of the squad was on full display, with substitutes like Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli contributing decisively.

Arsenal’s home advantage is another formidable factor. The Gunners have won all of their last 13 home group-stage matches in the Champions League, with 10 of those victories coming without conceding a goal. 

This record will weigh heavily on Olympiakos, whose away form in Europe has historically been poor.

However, Arteta faces selection challenges. Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Jesus are sidelined until the winter, while Piero Hincapie is a doubt with a groin injury. The positive news is the return of captain Martin Odegaard, whose creative influence was evident in his crucial assist against Newcastle.

Olympiakos’ Current Condition Ahead of the Match

Olympiakos arrive in London with concerns over consistency. Their European campaign began with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Pafos, despite playing against 10 men from the 26th minute. 

This result extended a worrying pattern: the Greek side have managed just two victories in their last 21 Champions League group-stage games.

Nonetheless, Olympiakos still carry potential threats. Their counterattacking style could pose problems for Arsenal’s possession-based play. Chiquinho, in particular, is enjoying fine form, having scored twice in their domestic match last weekend. 

Meanwhile, Daniel Podence is expected to provide creativity from the left flank, supplying opportunities for striker El Kaabi.

Coach Mendilibar, however, is hampered by injuries and absences. Roman Yaremchuk and Lorenzo Scipioni remain unavailable, while Remy Cabella and Yusuf Yazici were not registered for the Champions League squad. 

This limits Olympiakos’ options significantly, requiring them to rely on discipline and efficiency at the Emirates.

Predicted Lineups for Arsenal vs Olympiakos 2025

Arsenal (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: David Raya
• Defenders: Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori
• Midfielders: Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino
• Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Martinelli
• Manager: Mikel Arteta

Olympiakos (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: Alexandros Paschalakis
• Defenders: Rodinei, Retsos, Pirola, Ortega
• Midfielders: Garcia, Hezze
• Attacking Midfielders: Strefezza, Chiquinho, Daniel Podence
• Forward: El Kaabi
• Manager: Jose Luis Mendilibar

Conclusion

The upcoming contest between Arsenal and Olympiakos promises an intriguing battle of form, tactics, and resilience. 

Arsenal enter with confidence, buoyed by their impressive record both domestically and in Europe, while Olympiakos will aim to spring a surprise by exploiting any weaknesses.

With both sides expected to field their strongest available lineups, this encounter will serve as a critical test of squad depth and tactical adaptability. 

The question remains: who will prevail in this duel, with the spotlight firmly on the predicted lineups for Arsenal vs Olympiakos 2025? The answer will unfold under the lights of the Emirates Stadium.