Match Preview for Arsenal v Dinamo Zagreb
Arsenal could clinch their place in the Champions League round of 16 with a win over Dinamo Zagreb tomorrow night.
Mikel Arteta’s side have claimed 13 points from their six games and a win, coupled with results elsewhere across the week, may be enough to see them through.
A stress-free progression would be welcomed after a difficult run of results that has seriously jeopardised their chances of silverware this season. A 2-0 loss at home to Newcastle in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final was a blow as was the subsequent penalty shoot-out defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup.
A 2-1 win over local rivals Tottenham was, therefore, welcomed and it seemed like they were on course for another three points at the weekend only to squander a 2-0 lead at home to Aston Villa to draw 2-2.
They ought to find it a little easier against a Dinamo side that are clinging on to a playoff place.
New coach Fabio Cannavaro has yet to oversee an official first-team game after taking over between Christmas and new year. Under predecessor Nenad Bjelica, Dinamo won two and lost two in the Champions League but only sit a disappointing third in the domestic league.
European nights are back ✨ pic.twitter.com/FjtZkrSvYd
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 20, 2025
Team News for Arsenal v Dinamo Zagreb
The main worry for Arteta is the availability of France defender William Saliba. Saliba missed the Villa game due to a hamstring injury and it seems unlikely he will be risked against the Croatians.
Riccardo Calafiori, Ethan Nwaneri, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus are all out.
Dinamo could be without experienced striker Bruno Petkovic, while midfielder Petar Sucic is unavailable.
Arsenal: Raya; Partey, Gabriel, Timber, Lewis-Skelly; Merino, Rice, Odegaard; Martinelli, Trossard, Havertz
Dinamo Zagreb: Nevistić; Ristovski, Théophile-Catherine, Bernauer, Pierre-Gabriel; Ademi, Stojković; Cordoba, Baturina, Pjaca; Kulenović
The game will be broadcast on TNT Sports and can be streamed via the Discovery+ app.