Ivan Marcano insists Olympiakos are still very much in the race for second place in Goup F despite their growing injury worries.
Olympiakos defender upbeat ahead of Arsenal's visit
Ivan Marcano insists Olympiakos are still in very much in the race for second place in UEFA Champions League Goup F despite their growing injury worries.
Marseille remain in pole position, though, and the Greeks will have to better their result in Dortmund when they host an Arsenal side that is already guaranteed top spot if they are to reach the knockout stages for the third time in five years.
A win for the French side will see Olympiakos drop down into the Europa League, although their European adventure will be cut short entirely should the Germans win and they fail to get anything against Arsene Wenger's team.
"We need to win against Arsenal and that is our only objective," said Marcano. "The race for second place in the group is still wide open.
"We would not have wanted this to come down to the last round of matches, but we still have a good chance. Arsenal have qualified already and we are at home. We will try our hardest.
"Arsenal have a big squad but they have not come to Athens for their holidays and although there is no pressure on them they will still play with pride.
"We should have won in London, but we could have done with more luck in front of goal. Now I hope we can turn it around and get a win for Olympiakos.
"We watched their game against Wigan at the weekend and they won by a big score so we know this will not be an easy game."
The Arsenal boss is expected to rest some of his regular players in a bid to give some much needed experience to the rest of his squad.
But Olympiakos have no such luxuries with a host of players sidelined including Olof Mellberg (groin) and experienced midfielder Ariel while David Fuster and Pablo Orbaiz both face late fitness tests.
Marcano, on a season-long loan from Villarreal, added: "We are not too worried about what team Arsene Wenger puts out for this match because whoever plays will give us a good game. They are very strong in midfield and in attack. They have players of great quality and speed.
"To get into the next round of the Champions League will be a dream come true for us after such a bad start to the group stage.
"The squad is very focused and we are ready for our first big final of the season. We want to win and hope that the score in the other match helps us.
"We have got a few injuries but the team is in good spirits because of the win over Marseille."
