Arsenal vs. Dinamo Zagreb | Champions League | League Stage | Pre Match

On the verge of cementing their spot in the last 16 of the Champions League, Arsenal are set to host Dinamo Zagreb in what promises to be a decisive clash at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, brimming with potential but hindered by recent injuries and inconsistency, face a Croatian side led by legendary Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro. With the league phase nearing its conclusion, both teams have plenty to play for, and the stakes could not be higher.

Arsenal’s return to the Champions League after a prolonged absence has been nothing short of inspiring. Home fixtures at the Emirates have become a fortress for Arteta's side, who have yet to suffer defeat on their own turf in the competition since a humiliating loss to Bayern Munich in 2017. The team’s resilience has been remarkable, as evidenced by their defensive solidity under Arteta. The only blemish on their home Champions League record since his arrival was last season’s 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in the quarter-final first leg, a match where they showcased both their attacking threat and defensive discipline. In the current campaign, Arsenal have recorded three clean sheets in their home games, including a dominant 3-0 victory over Monaco on matchday six.

That commanding win over the Ligue 1 giants left the Gunners sitting third in the standings with 13 points from a possible 18, a tally that underscores their competitiveness at the highest level of European football. With two matches remaining in the league phase, Arsenal’s fate is firmly in their hands. A victory on Wednesday would not only guarantee them at least a playoff spot but also mark a historic achievement for the club. Having dismantled Sporting Lisbon 5-1 and Monaco 3-0, the Gunners have the opportunity to win three consecutive Champions League games by at least three goals for the first time in their history. This prospect adds an extra layer of motivation for Arteta’s men, who are keen to make their mark on the European stage.

However, Arsenal’s domestic form has been less encouraging. Their most recent Premier League outing—a disheartening 2-2 draw at home to Aston Villa—saw the Gunners squander a two-goal lead, leaving them six points adrift of league leaders Liverpool. This result extends their winless streak in the league to four matches, with only one victory in their last five outings. Injuries have undoubtedly played a role in Arsenal’s struggles, with several key players sidelined. Yet, the Champions League remains a beacon of hope for silverware this season, and the Gunners will be determined to capitalize on their home advantage.

While Arsenal have thrived at the Emirates, Wednesday’s visitors, Dinamo Zagreb, have proven themselves capable of upsetting the odds on the road. Both of their wins in the league phase so far—victories against Red Bull Salzburg and Slovan Bratislava—came away from home. These triumphs were crucial in keeping Dinamo’s knockout hopes alive, especially after their 9-2 drubbing at the hands of Bayern Munich earlier in the competition. However, their recent form has been far from convincing. The Croatian side’s last two outings in the league phase resulted in a 3-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund and a goalless draw with Celtic, during which they failed to convert 16 attempts into a single goal.

Domestically, Dinamo Zagreb have endured a turbulent period. Before heading into their winter break, the Croatian giants ended a seven-game winless streak with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Varazdin. Since then, they have only participated in two friendly matches in preparation for their European commitments. A 3-1 win against Polish side Lech Poznan was followed by a 1-1 draw with Jagiellonia Bialystok, offering little insight into their readiness for a high-stakes encounter with Arsenal. Dinamo’s lack of competitive match practice could be a significant disadvantage as they seek to navigate the daunting challenge of playing at the Emirates.

History does not favor Dinamo Zagreb in this fixture. Both of their previous visits to Arsenal’s home ground ended in defeat, including a 3-0 loss in the 2015 group stage when Alexis Sanchez starred with a brace. Cannavaro’s men will need to rewrite history if they are to take anything from this match, but they face the additional challenge of an injury-hit squad. Prolific striker Bruno Petkovic is set to miss the game due to an adductor issue, depriving Dinamo of a player who has previously made his mark in European competitions. Petkovic remains the only Dinamo player to have scored at least four away goals in a single European campaign—a feat he achieved in the 2020-21 Europa League. In his absence, the spotlight falls on Sandro Kulenovic, who could match Petkovic’s tally with a goal on Wednesday. Meanwhile, highly-rated midfielder Petar Sucic is also unavailable, leaving Cannavaro with limited options in key areas.

For Arsenal, injuries have been a recurring theme this season, and their latest setback is the loss of William Saliba to a hamstring injury. The Frenchman’s absence compounds an already challenging situation for Arteta, who is also without Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Jesus. The defensive reshuffle against Aston Villa saw Jurrien Timber deployed at center-back and Thomas Partey shifted to right-back—a move that backfired as Partey was at fault for Ollie Watkins’s equalizer. Arteta may opt to bring Jakub Kiwior back into the fold as he seeks greater defensive stability.

Despite their injury woes, Arsenal can take solace in the return of Ethan Nwaneri and Riccardo Calafiori, both of whom are expected to be available after recovering from muscular problems. These reinforcements could prove vital as the Gunners aim to maintain their unbeaten home record in this season’s Champions League and deliver a statement performance.

As the penultimate matchday of the league phase approaches, the stakes are clear for both teams. Arsenal have the opportunity to secure their place in the knockout stages while creating a new chapter in their European history. For Dinamo Zagreb, the challenge is to cling to their playoff position and prove that they belong among Europe’s elite. The contrast between the two sides is stark: Arsenal, despite their domestic struggles, have shown their pedigree on the continental stage, while Dinamo Zagreb are fighting to overcome inconsistency and the limitations of their squad.

The Emirates Stadium will provide the stage for what promises to be a compelling encounter. Arsenal’s attacking firepower, led by the likes of Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli, will be pitted against a Dinamo Zagreb side desperate to defy the odds. With so much at stake, the match is sure to deliver drama, intensity, and moments of brilliance as both teams battle for their European aspirations.