Arsenal can conclude their league phase outcome in the UEFA Champions League on a high when they face Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday night.
An automatic qualification to the last 16 will follow if they continue putting up an all-round performance like they did in their previous games in this competition. This will help them avoid the extra burden of playing two more playoff games next month.
Since the Gunners are aiming to hunt down Liverpool in the Premier League, they need to stay away from featuring in extra games and pushing themselves into a difficult spot. Wholesale changes to the starting XI are least expected, and Mikel Arteta is likely to field a similar lineup that drew against Aston Villa on Saturday.
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— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 22, 2025
The duel between the Spaniard and 2006 Ballon d’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro will be worth watching. Here is how the North London outfit will line up against Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb.
Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb predicted lineup
Defence: David Raya, Jurrien Timber, Jakub Kiwior, Gabriel Magalhaes, Myles Lewis-Skelly
Arsenal have failed to collect clean sheets in the past few games, but Raya has been rock solid at home in the Champions League this season. Jurrien Timber balances their defender pretty well, and he is a better right-back option when compared to Thomas Partey.
With William Saliba unavailable for this game, Arteta is likely to name Jakub Kiwior in his position. The Pole is reliable at times, and he will have Gabriel Magalhaes to partner him at the back. The Brazilian has been sensational lately, and the team needs his assistance against Zagreb.
Lewis-Skelly is an incredible talent and has continued to thrive when given a chance. After helping the club land all three points in the Premier League last weekend, can he showcase another sublime display?
Midfield: Jorginho, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard
The experienced veteran star could leave the club in the next few months, but the manager might consider naming him in his starting XI. This will help them to reduce the workload on Thomas Partey.
Declan Rice has rediscovered his form and looks more confident in the past few months. No surprises here. Martin Ødegaard’s return was met with huge excitement, and he did well in his initial games. But Bukayo Saka’s injury has impacted the team’s ability to bring out the best in their midfield warrior.
Attack: Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard
Arsenal’s attacking strategy has changed since Saka’s injury. They are more interested in delivering crosses inside the box. Arteta would prefer to give rest to Gabriel Martinelli and allow Raheem Sterling to carry on with the proceedings on Wednesday.
Leandro Trossard 🤝 Kai Havertz pic.twitter.com/MIKqboI0BD
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 19, 2025
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Kai Havertz has a chance to improve his numbers in this competition. The German ace was back on the scoresheet last weekend. It is a perfect time for him to get back to his best for the English giants.
Leandro Trossard was clinical against Aston Villa as he grabbed two assists. His contributions will be vital yet again.
Predicted lineup for Arsenal vs. Dinamo Zagreb: Raya, Timber, Kiwior, Magalhaes, Lewis-Skelly, Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard, Sterling, Havertz, Trossard.
