Why Arsene Wenger is in danger of losing his biggest excuse... Arsenal manager's Champions League record at stake

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As far as excuses go, Arsene Wenger has been nothing if not consistent but as the Arsenal manager stares into the face of a new low, his last line of defence keeping the doubters at bay could be about to disappear.

His Arsenal side take on Greek outfit Olympiacos in Athens with the Frenchman’s proud record of reaching at least the last 16 of the Champions League every year since the inception of the new format in 2003-04 hanging in the balance.

Wenger's men must win by two goals or beat their opponents while scoring at least three times to secure their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League for a 16th successive season

Despite never having won the trophy, Wenger’s ability to progress past the group stages on a consistent basis has been the central thread of the defence of his recent tenure.

Arsene Wenger speaks to the press ahead of the crucial Champions League clash with Olympiacos

The Gunners boss faces losing his impressive Champions League record

When it comes to the manager, Arsenal fans are divided in their support for his continued reign.

The club is never more than a few steps from a potential ‘crisis’ and as his early, trophy-laden years slip further into the past, the safety of Wenger’s position has increasingly come into question.

However, there are two factors that form the foundations of the second phase of the 66-year-old’s time at the club.

The first, his record of finishing in the top four of the Premier League in every season he has been at the club, ensuring constant qualification for Europe’s premier tournament.

Second, and most significantly in terms of tonight’s clash, is his record of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League each year since 2000.

Manchester United’s shock exit from the tournament on Tuesday, at the hands of Wolfsburg, was a reminder this is no mean feat.

Arsenal lost their first two group games to Dinamo Zagreb and Olympiacos

Olympiacos beat Arsenal 3-2 at the Emirates earlier in the group

Arsenal must win by two goals or beat their opponents while scoring at least three times

Arsenal have had their fair share of difficult patches in recent times, having won just two FA Cups since their last piece of silverware – the same famous old trophy back in 2005. Importantly it is these two records that Wenger has employed as unwavering replies to any criticism thrown his way.

Supporters have grown increasingly frustrated at the team’s inability to make it past the first knockout round on the last five attempts and an exit at this stage would represent yet further decline from the days of the ‘Invincibles’.

Having lost to Dinamo Zagreb and Olympiacos in their opening two matches in Group F, the Gunners have left themselves with a mountain to climb going into their final group game.

Should the they fail to overcome the odds in the Greek capital, Wenger will have lost one of his most influential assets in keeping his detractors at bay.

Wenger's side have lost on all three previous visits to Olympiacos

If previous form is to be trusted then the signs are ominous for Wenger’s celebrated record, Arsenal having lost all on all three of their visits to the Karaiskakis Stadium, 1-0 in 2009, 3-1 in 2011 and 2-1 in 2012.

They had already qualified when each of these matches took place, a fact reflected by the line-ups on show, but the players will be wary of underestimating the Greek team who have lost just once all season, to Bayern Munich, winning 12 from 12 in their own league.

Upon his arrival on Tuesday night at Athens airport, Wenger stressed the need for ‘patience’ and ‘composure’ in warning against not chasing too recklessly for the two goals that are needed.

He highlighted the fact it is the Greeks who have everything to lose describing them as ‘a side that is at the moment qualified but can lose what they have. That can create a fear factor.’

Theo Walcott is expected to start on the bench having recently recovered from a calf injury

The challenge facing the side has been made all the more difficult with recent injuries to Francis Coquelin, Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla, all of whom figure in Wenger’s preferred starting line-up.

Aaron Ramsey is expected to partner Mathieu Flamini in central midfield again with Theo Walcott starting on the bench following a month out with a calf injury, leaving French striker Olivier Giroud spearheading the attack.

Giroud remained upbeat over Arsenal’s chances of escaping from the group saying: ‘Of course we believe. If not, the club would have sent the youth team. We have the opportunity to show our mental strength. We need to be at 100 per cent – 95 will not be enough.’