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Dec 4, 2012 at 7.45pm UK

Olympiacos Olympiacos
2-1
Arsenal

Arsene Wenger plans rotation for Olympiakos trip

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 03 December 2012

Arsene Wenger reveals that several key players will be rested for Arsenal's final Champions League group-stage match against Olympiakos.

Arsene Wenger has revealed his plans to rest several key players for Arsenal's Champions League tie with Olympiakos on Tuesday.

Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere, Lukas Podolski, Santi Cazorla, Mikel Arteta and Per Mertesacker were all left behind in London today when the Gunners made the trip to Greece.

They have already qualified for the last 16 of the competition heading into their final pool-stage match, but Wenger is optimistic that his much-changed lineup can snatch the added bonus of top spot in Group B.

He said: "Some players need a rest because they are on the fringe of injury and some players are injured. Podolski and Walcott are injured, Wilshere needs a rest and Mertesacker has played many games recently.

"We have one luxury in that we have qualified but we want to win the game and top the group.

"I must try to find the right balance by resting some players and still having a competitive team on Tuesday. I believe we'll top the group if we win."

Arsenal will qualify as group winners if they beat Olympiakos and Schalke fail to beat French outfit Montpellier.