Arsenal predicted XI vs Olympiacos as Max Dowman eyes history amid Myles Lewis-Skelly chance

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Arsenal are back in Champions League action in midweek, as they prepare for a tough test against Olympiacos.

The Gunners have got off to a good start in the competition, registering a win over Athletic Club away in their first match of the competition.

Now they return to the Emirates Stadium for the first home match of the European campaign, with Arsenal hopeful of keeping a perfect winning record.

It won’t be easy, as Olympiacos have shown in the past, with Mikel Arteta having to find a balance between strength and rotation.

There are several options at his disposal, which could see him hand opportunities to stars who haven’t had many this season.

So, with that said, here’s a look at a predicted lineup for Arsenal’s clash with Olympiacos in the Champions League.

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Arsenal predicted XI, team and lineup vs Olympiacos

There is an opportunity for Arteta to ring the changes in his Arsenal squad, while keeping plenty of strength at his disposal.

Starting at goalkeeper, it would be likely that Kepa Arrizabalaga is given a chance to continue his run as the cup option, while David Raya is given a rest.

Jurrien Timber has put in a shift so far this season, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him dropped for this game, while the returning Ben White has an opportunity to gain a little more fitness.

Despite William Saliba’s recent injury, there is a chance he could feature from the start, as Arteta had looked to protect him by only playing him for 45 minutes against Newcastle.

Gabriel Magalhaes could also make another start to continue his good start to the season.

Rounding off the backline is Myles Lewis-Skelly. So far, the Arsenal academy graduate has been behind Riccardo Calafiori in the pecking order, but the Champions League provides a chance for him to stake a claim for the shirt once again.

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In midfield, we could see Martin Zubimendi keep his place, looking to control what could be a tough game at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal star Declan Rice has been playing non-stop, so perhaps some rest for him in favour of Mikel Merino could do both players some good. The Spaniard scored a crucial goal in Arsenal’s win over Newcastle, and could be given a chance to continue that form.

While Arsenal ease Martin Odegaard back from injury, there could be an opportunity for Ethan Nwaneri. The youngster has found minutes tough to come by this season, but he could gain some valuable experience as the number ten in this match.

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Looking at the right wing, the options are currently a bit light due to Noni Madueke’s injury. Expect Bukayo Saka to start; however, there is a chance that Max Dowman could feature and become the youngest-ever Champions League player in the process.

After plenty of impactful substitute appearances, it makes sense for Gabriel Martinelli to be given an opportunity to show his quality from the start on the left wing in a competition he seems to love.

Rounding off the bunch is Viktor Gyokeres, who remains the only natural number nine currently at Arteta’s disposal.

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Arsenal vs Olympiacos head-to-head Champions League record

It won’t be an easy match for Arsenal when they welcome Olympiacos, as their head-to-head record shows.

The two teams have met plenty of times in recent years, with eight meetings overall in the Champions League.

Both teams have won the encounter four times, showing just how tough it is to get one up over the other.

Given how strong this Arsenal team is now, there will be some hope that they can be the ones to take the lead in the head-to-head.