Champions League: Arsenal great value to dash Olympiakos dream
Published:Eleven points from five matches has seen Arsenal named comfortable group winners with a game to spare – but it is still all to play for amongst the other teams in Group F.
Olympiakos, fresh from a tremendous victory away to Marseille in their last European outing, are 5/6 to beat the Gunners at Karaskais Stadium, and that is all that will do for the Greek side, as they will only progress should Marseille slip up away to Dortmund.
The draw is priced at 5/2, but that outcome would make little difference on the final group standings.
Meanwhile, group winners Arsenal – expected to field a weakened team in light of more pressing domestic concerns – still look very good value at a big 10/3 to win the match.
The Gunners are unbeaten on their travels in Europe so far this campaign, and have perhaps reserved their most impressive and disciplined performances for the Champions League.
Bearing in mind each team’s last games were level at half-time, with them both eventually winning, half-time/full-time markets deserve attention.
The home side are 7/2 to be drawing at half-time but winning at full-time, with the visitors a huge 9/1 to do the same.
Even with a weaker team than usual, the Londoners could very well have too much quality for their neighbours, with fringe players desperate to make an impression.
Marouane Chamakh is likely to get a rare start in Greece and his odds of 7/1 to hit the first goal look good.
Elsewhere in Group F, Marseille need to win away at Dortmund to be certain of progression, and are a big 4/1 to do so.
The German side won’t lie down though and, despite having nothing but pride to play for, they will do their utmost to justify a 4/6 price tag in front of their home fans.
A draw would leave the door open for Olympiakos but also could be enough for Marseille, and the stalemate can be backed at 11/4.
