The front three positions is the area that intrigues me most coming into the game this evening. Vela and Walcott are likely to add sheer pace to the attack along with the craft of either Wilshere or Merida

It makes a nice change for Arsenal to be able to go into the last game of the group stages with qualification in the bag and first place well and truly sewn up.

Due to the deadly injury virus that has ravaged Arsene’s squad, our manager has had to lock up his first teamers in a padded cell to avoid anymore players dropping like flies. Instead the kids are being sent out on a learning experience in Greece. Olympiakos will be a different proposition for the youngsters. Playing in a new competition, in a new country against a team that have plenty to fight for in the last game.

The team that take to the pitch will certainly have a Carling cup flavour about it, many of the up and coming youngsters now household names. Fran Merida, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Carlos Vela all exciting talents that are thumping on the first team door.

Some more experienced players will be added to the team for various reasons. Theo Walcott is in line for a start after a frustrating start to the season, injury has followed the flying winger since his double England outings during the resting period. Walcott will need to gain some much needed match sharpness and steer clear of anymore niggling problems.

Alex Song, one of our most important players this season has also made the trip which has made me feel a little uneasy I must say. He played against Manchester City for the Carling collection as a replacement for the disappearing Philippe Senderos and is likely to fill in at center back again tonight. Personally I do not see the need to include him as the likes of Kyle Bartley or Craig Eastmond would gain more from being in the team at center back or center midfield respectively, Should the powerful Cameroonian feature tonight then I will be grimacing every time he goes in for a challenge.

Arsene gave Jack Wilshere a more central role against West Brom in the first round to get him on the ball and give us more attacking options with Merida playing as a wide left attacker but I wouldn’t be surprised if those two swap roles and Merida is slotted into central midfield along with either Eastmond or Coquelin and Ramsey.

The front three positions is the area that intrigues me most coming into the game this evening. Vela and Walcott are likely to add sheer pace to the attack along with the craft of either Wilshere or Merida. I am wondering if Arsene may mix up the attack a little if Wilshere is to play the more advanced role.

Wilshere is not as effective playing on the left where cutting inside will bring him on his weaker foot which would mean not utilising his ability to find runners with his vision and pinpoint slide rule passes. Theo Walcott who usually occupies the wide right berth has been chomping on the bit to play as a central striker, Wenger could be tempted to play Carlos Vela on the left with Wilshere on the right, which would allow Walcott to take the position he craves.

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up

Mean Lean’s Match Prediction

Any result for the youngsters would be an extraordinary result but it may be asking a little too much of them. They certainly have the quality to score goals but it will take a great effort to keep a Champions League team who need a victory at bay.

Whatever happens it will be great for them and I am looking forward to watching some of the future Gunners start the first of many Champions League games for the club.