Arsenal will look to secure their spot in the knockout rounds of the UEFA Champions League when they face Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates on Wednesday. With 13 points out of a possible 18, Mikel Arteta's team is in a favorable position to advance. However, a win would guarantee their qualification for the last 16 and could potentially secure a top-two finish in the group, ensuring a more favorable draw in the next round. According to sky sports.
The Gunners have been formidable at home in the Champions League this season, boasting a flawless defensive record at the Emirates since their 2017 defeat to Bayern Munich. Their most recent home fixture, a 3-0 win over Monaco, highlighted both their strong defensive organization and attacking prowess. Nevertheless, their recent Premier League form has been less consistent, with a frustrating 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, leaving them six points behind league leaders Liverpool.
In terms of team news, injury concerns continue to plague Arteta's squad. Several key players will be unavailable for the match, including William Saliba (hamstring), Ben White (knee), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Gabriel Jesus (knee), and Ethan Nwaneri (muscle). Additionally, Riccardo Calafiori is also a doubt due to a muscle issue. To cover for Saliba's absence, Arteta might opt to play Jurrien Timber at center-back, though he could also bring Jakub Kiwior into the starting lineup for a more stable defensive setup.
Possible Arsenal Lineup (4-3-3 formation):
Goalkeeper: Raya
Defenders: Timber, Gabriel, Kiwior, Zinchenko
Midfielders: Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice
Forwards: Sterling, Havertz, Trossard
This match presents an important opportunity for Arsenal to continue their strong European campaign while recovering from recent domestic setbacks.