Arsenal vs Olympiacos Piraeus Prediction & Betting Tips (1 October)

Arsenal welcome Olympiacos Piraeus to the Emirates Stadium on October 1st for Matchday 2 of the UEFA Champions League group stage, with both sides eager to build momentum. The Gunners come into this clash buoyed by a solid run of form, having dispatched Athletic Club 2-0 away in their opening Champions League fixture. Mikel Arteta’s men have shown resilience in recent weeks, drawing 1-1 with Manchester City and cruising past Port Vale in the Carabao Cup. Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard remain central to Arsenal’s attacking rhythm, while Gabriel Magalhães anchors a defense that has conceded just once in their last three outings.

Olympiacos, meanwhile, arrive in London with a mixed bag of results. Their Champions League opener ended in a goalless draw against Pafos, and domestically they were held 1-1 by Panathinaikos in a heated derby. Coach Diego Martínez has leaned heavily on the experience of Kostas Fortounis and the emerging talent of Daniel Podence to drive the team forward. Despite a dominant 5-0 win over Panserraikos earlier this month, questions linger about their ability to perform away from home, especially against top-tier opposition. Their recent record on the road in European competition has been less than convincing.

Tactically, Arsenal are expected to control possession and press high, exploiting Olympiacos’ tendency to sit deep and absorb pressure. Arteta’s fluid 4-3-3 formation has allowed his midfield to dictate tempo, with Declan Rice providing stability and transitions. Olympiacos will likely opt for a compact 4-2-3-1, hoping to hit on the counter through the pace of Ayoub El Kaabi. The Greek side’s defensive discipline will be tested, particularly against Arsenal’s wide play and overlapping full-backs. Set pieces could prove decisive, with both teams showing vulnerability in aerial duels.

While Arsenal are clear favorites, Olympiacos have a history of springing surprises in European fixtures. However, given the Gunners’ current form and home advantage, a 2-1 scoreline feels like a realistic outcome. Expect Arsenal to dominate early, with Olympiacos growing into the game in the second half. A late goal from the visitors may add tension, but Arsenal’s depth and composure should see them through. This fixture promises intensity, tactical nuance, and a glimpse into both teams’ continental ambitions.