Arsenal have won just one of their last five games in all competitions but can offer frustrated fans respite on Wednesday in the Champions League.
The Gunners have struggled with injuries and consistency since the start of the new year conceded a two-goal advantage to Aston Villa in the Premier League at the weekend. Their victory in the north London derby came unscathed after defeats to Newcastle United and Manchester United in the cup competitions.
Arsenal welcome Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb to north London on Wednesday for their fifth consecutive home meeting, with victory pushing them ever closer to automatic qualification for the Champions League final. Their midweek European venture offers them a chance to forget their domestic troubles.
Here’s how Arsenal could line up for an important one Champions League duel.
GK: David Raya – The Spaniard will expect a relatively quiet evening against Dinamo, especially considering that the Croatian side is likely to be missing striker Bruno Petković. He will hope so Absence of William Saliba he doesn’t overly disrupt the defense in front of him.
RB: Jurrien Timber – The versatile defender was brought in at centre-back on Saturday and excelled in an unfamiliar role. He should return to the right-back spot on Wednesday as Arteta rotates his troops.
CB: Gabriel – Saliba’s injury means Gabriel is likely to line up on the right of the centre-back duo on Wednesday. He will be looking to help Arsenal secure a fourth successive clean sheet at home in Europe.
CB: Riccardo Calafiori – Jakub Kiwior does not seem to have the confidence of Arteta, which makes the return of Calafiori, who has recovered from injury, a possibility from the outset.
LB: Oleksandr Zinchenko – Youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly has impressed in recent weeks, but Mikel Arteta could rest him in midweek. Zinchenko, who has been linked with a move in January, could step in.
CM: Martin Odegaard – Arsenal are desperately relying on Odegaard’s creativity in the absence of the injured Bukaya Saka and Gabriel Jesus. The graceful Norwegian should have fun taking down a defense that conceded nine to Bayern Munich in September.
CM: Jorginho – Thomas Partey had a disappointing game against Aston Villa, while Mikel Merino could be rested in a deep midfield role. Jorginho, which is also connected with an exit from Arsenal in the future, he could anchor the engine room.
CM: Declan Rice – Rice caught the eye with his action during the draw with Villa at the weekend and the energy he offers Arsenal cannot be underestimated.
RW: Raheem Sterling – Sterling’s loan spell at Arsenal has been underwhelming to say the least and the former Manchester City and Liverpool winger must impress Arteta on Wednesday if Leandro Trossard is rested.
ST: Kai Havertz – Havertz came under fire for his profligacy during Arsenal’s New Year’s game, but the German scored his first goal of 2025 against Villa. That should give him a much-needed boost of confidence ahead of Wednesday, where he will fancy his chances of adding to his European tally.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli – Martinelli also got on the scoresheet on Saturday, with Arsenal now relying on the Brazilian for his lightning speed in wide areas.
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