Odegaard back in starting lineup as Arsenal prepare for Olympiacos
Arsenal will welcome back captain Martin Odegaard to the starting XI as they prepare to host Olympiacos at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. After a week that saw him emerge as a late substitute against Newcastle United following a shoulder issue, Odegaard is restored to the midfield in a game where rotation is part of the plan for the squad. The midfield lynchpin’s return adds a familiar edge to Arsenal’s build-up play as they chase a positive result on home soil.
A raft of changes signals a refreshed approach
The XI shows a clear intent to freshen up the side. In addition to Odegaard’s return, the full-back slots are taken by Ben White and Myles Lewis-Skelly, with William Saliba stepping back into defense to partner Gabriel in the heart of the back line. The coaching staff have also brought in Mikel Merino and Martinelli, while Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze drop to the bench as part of the squad rotation. Viktor Gyokeres remains the central striker, continuing to lead the line, while Martin Zubimendi starts again in midfield to marshal the team from deep.
Lineup analysis: who started and who could influence the game
Starting XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, Merino, Odegaard, Trossard, Martinelli, Gyokeres. Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Setford, Mosquera, Timber, Calafiori, Norgaard, Nwaneri, Rice, Saka, Eze. The selection suggests a balanced approach: a solid defensive spine, a creative midfielder pairing in Odegaard and Merino, and a dynamic forward line capable of both build-up play and incisive counter-attacks. The absence of Rice, Saka and Eze from the starting XI underscores the energy and fresh legs the squad hopes to deploy off the bench if the match requires it.
What this means for the Olympiacos clash at the Emirates
With Odegaard back in the starting lineup, Arsenal aim to control the tempo and impose their game on Olympiacos early. The pairing of Zubimendi and Merino offers a sturdy shield for the defense, while Gyokeres provides a focal point up front to stretch the visitors. The inclusion of Lewis-Skelly at left-back signals a willingness to blend youth with experience in a high-stakes European tie, a move many will watch closely as the season progresses. Trossard and Martinelli offer pace and creativity on the flanks, ready to exploit any gaps created by the Merino–Odegaard axis in the middle.
Tactical notes and squad depth
Arsenal’s lineup reveals a flexible shape that can shift between a 4-2-3-1 and a more compact 4-3-3 depending on the phase of play. Odegaard’s movement will be crucial in linking up with Gyokeres, while the presence of Saliba and Gabriel ensures the defense maintains a reliable central duo against Olympiacos’s forward line. The bench strength—Rice, Saka, and Eze among others—gives the manager viable options to adjust the approach, either to press higher up the pitch or to protect a lead late on.
Looking ahead
Wednesday’s game is more than a single fixture; it’s a test of Arsenal’s depth and adaptability as they navigate a demanding schedule. The return of Odegaard to the starting lineup is a statement of intent, signaling that the club intends to compete on multiple fronts with a squad that can rotate without losing cohesion. Fans will hope the tactical tweaks pay off as Arsenal seek victory at the Emirates in front of their home supporters.
