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ATHENS. — Arsenal will put one of the best Champions League soccer records on the line when they face Olympiakos Piraeus in a showdown for second spot in Group F tonight.

The match kicks-off at 9:45pm.

As well as competing in the tournament for the 18th season in a row, the London club have qualified for the second stage in each of the past 15 campaigns.

That run is in jeopardy, not so much due to a 5-1 hammering at group winners Bayern Munich but because Arsenal were beaten in their opening two games including a shock 3-2 defeat at home to Olympiakos.

Now they must reverse that scoreline or improve on it to preserve their proud record under Arsene Wenger who will be missing seven players including Alexis Sanchez, Santi Cazorla, Mikel Arteta and Jack Wilshere.

Wenger was particularly pleased with Saturday’s 3-1 win at home to Sunderland, a victory that lifted Arsenal to second place in the English Premier League.

“For our confidence it was vital,” the French coach told reporters. “I was very nervous because I knew it was a very important game for our season.

“It is better to prepare for the (Olympiakos) game knowing we have won. The one positive thing is we know exactly what to do.

“Most of the time when we have been to Olympiakos we have not had a lot to do because we had already qualified. This time it is the opposite,” added Wenger.

Wenger wants to give in-form Mesut Ozil a breather — but cannot risk it for Arsenal’s do-or-die Champions League clash.

Gunners midfielder Ozil has been in sensational form but Wenger does not believe even he can play in all six of their games in the busy December fixture schedule.

But Arsenal must stay focused and not be influenced by the “crazy” atmosphere at the Karaiskakis Stadium, midfielder Ozil has said ahead of tonight’s make-or-break Champions League clash against Olympiakos Piraeus.

The London club need to beat the Greek champions either by two clear goals, or by any margin if they score at least three times, to progress from the group stages. If they fail to do so, they will drop into the Europa League. — Reuters.