Arsenal to field fringe players

Arsenal have left a number of key players back in England for their trip to face Olympiakos in Greece on Tuesday, as the North London side have already ensured qualification to the Champions League knockout rounds.

Arsene Wenger’s men will top their pool even if they lose their last Group F game, and the French coach has selected a youthful squad for the game.

With only two of the starting XI that beat Wigan 4-0 at the DW Stadium on Saturday travelling for the game, Wenger has defended his selection.

“It is not who we left at home, it is who will play who is important. Before you make an early judgement, let’s wait to see how our team will do,” he told Mirror Football.

“We have a very strong team, many of the team have played in the first game against Olympiakos, so give the players who turn up some credit, they will produce a good performance.

“We are unbeaten and want to continue our run, and also to be respectful of everybody else in the group. We have a moral responsibility to play to win.

“I would be very, very disappointed if our winning attitude was not completely right and I will make sure we walk out there with immense desire to try to win the game,” he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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