Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb: Champions League Match Preview

Arsenal return to Champions League action on Wednesday night, hosting Dinamo Zagreb in their final home match of the league phase at the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta’s side stands on the cusp of qualification for the round of 16, knowing that a victory would all but confirm their place in the knockout stages.

With 13 points from their six group matches so far, the Gunners sit third in the table, level with five other teams. The new-look league phase format has created an intriguing battle for the coveted top-eight spots, which guarantee direct passage to the last 16. Arsenal, having performed impressively in their return to Europe’s elite competition, will be keen to capitalize on their strong home form and put themselves in a commanding position before their final fixture.

Meanwhile, Dinamo Zagreb find themselves in a precarious situation. The Croatian giants are currently clinging to the final qualification spot with eight points, knowing that anything less than a result in London could see them slip out of contention. Fabio Cannavaro’s side has had a turbulent campaign, with moments of promise overshadowed by inconsistency, and they arrive at the Emirates with plenty to prove.

Arsenal’s Current Form and Champions League Performance

The Gunners have enjoyed a solid Champions League campaign thus far, with four wins from six outings. Dominant victories over Monaco (3-0), Sporting CP (5-1), and Paris Saint-Germain (2-1) have showcased Arsenal’s attacking prowess and defensive resilience. Their only defeat came against Inter Milan, while a hard-fought draw against Atalanta demonstrated their ability to grind out results under pressure.

Despite their European success, Arsenal’s domestic form has been inconsistent in recent weeks. A 2-2 draw with Aston Villa at the weekend, where they squandered a two-goal lead, highlighted their vulnerability when managing games. Recent defeats to Newcastle United and Manchester United in cup competitions have dampened spirits, but Arteta will view the Dinamo clash as the perfect opportunity to regain momentum.

One of the key strengths of Arsenal’s Champions League campaign has been their defensive solidity at home. Arteta’s side has not conceded from open play in the competition this season, with their only goals against coming via a set piece and a penalty. Their home record in Europe is impressive, having not suffered defeat at the Emirates in the Champions League since 2017.

Dinamo Zagreb’s Challenge and Recent Form

Dinamo Zagreb’s campaign began in disastrous fashion with a crushing 9-2 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich, a result that left them with a mountain to climb in terms of goal difference. However, they have since shown resilience, securing crucial wins over RB Salzburg and Slovan Bratislava to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Domestically, Dinamo’s dominance in the Croatian top flight has been challenged this season. They currently sit third in the HNL table, seven points adrift of league leaders HNK Rijeka. A recent 3-2 win over NK Varazdin ended a winless run of seven matches, but inconsistency has plagued their campaign.

Fabio Cannavaro’s appointment as head coach was meant to steady the ship, but the Italian legend faces an uphill battle to transform Dinamo into a side capable of competing with Europe’s elite. Their defensive frailties have been evident, with 15 goals conceded in the Champions League so far, the second-highest in the competition.

Adding to their woes, Dinamo will be without key striker Bruno Petkovic, who is sidelined with a muscle injury. Petkovic’s absence is a significant blow, as the experienced forward has been instrumental in their European campaign. Midfielder Petar Sucic is also unavailable, further limiting Cannavaro’s options.

Tactical Battle: What to Expect

Arsenal are expected to dominate possession and dictate the tempo from the outset. Arteta’s side thrives on controlling midfield, with Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard orchestrating play. Jorginho, expected to start, will provide composure and ball retention in deep areas, allowing Rice the freedom to push forward and break the lines.

In attack, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli are likely to flank Kai Havertz, who has recently found form in a central role. Without Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal will look to utilize their pace and movement in wide areas to exploit Dinamo’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Defensively, the absence of William Saliba will force Arteta into changes. Jurrien Timber is expected to partner Gabriel at center-back, while Thomas Partey and Martin Lewis-Skelly could provide width from the full-back positions. Arsenal’s high pressing game could force Dinamo into mistakes, especially given their struggles when playing out from the back.

Dinamo, on the other hand, will likely set up in a deep defensive block, aiming to frustrate Arsenal and hit on the counterattack. Stefan Ristovski and Dario Spikic provide a threat down the right flank, and their link-up play will be key to Dinamo’s counter-attacking approach. Expect the visitors to rely on set pieces and long balls into the final third, hoping to capitalize on any defensive lapses from the hosts.

Key Players to Watch

Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal): The Arsenal captain has been at the heart of the team’s creativity, pulling the strings with his vision and passing range. Ødegaard’s ability to unlock compact defenses will be crucial in breaking down Dinamo’s low block.

Declan Rice (Arsenal): Rice’s presence in midfield provides defensive stability and allows Arsenal to transition quickly from defense to attack. His ball-winning ability and leadership will be vital in controlling the tempo of the game.

Sandro Kulenovic (Dinamo Zagreb): With Petkovic out, the attacking burden falls on Kulenovic. The striker has shown glimpses of quality in Europe and will need to be clinical if Dinamo are to stand a chance.

Josip Sutalo (Dinamo Zagreb): The Croatian defender will have a tough task in containing Arsenal’s attacking threats. His positioning and aerial ability will be tested against the physicality of Havertz.

What’s at Stake?

For Arsenal, a win would take them to 16 points, virtually ensuring a top-eight finish and direct qualification to the round of 16. It would also provide a much-needed morale boost ahead of a crucial run of fixtures domestically.

Dinamo Zagreb, meanwhile, know that anything less than a point could spell the end of their European campaign. With a difficult final fixture looming, they must produce a disciplined performance to stay in contention.

Conclusion

Arsenal head into this fixture as clear favorites, boasting an unbeaten home record and superior squad depth. Despite recent domestic setbacks, their Champions League performances have been largely efficient and professional.

Dinamo Zagreb, while resilient, have struggled against top-tier opposition, and their defensive frailties could be exposed against Arsenal’s attacking fluidity. Arteta will be urging his side to avoid complacency and secure the three points that would all but confirm their place in the last 16.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb.

If the Gunners stick to their game plan and maintain their defensive discipline, they should have little trouble dispatching their Croatian opponents and moving one step closer to European glory.