Arsenal have won just one of their last five matches in all competitions but can offer some respite to frustrated supporters on Wednesday in the Champions League.
The Gunners have suffered from injuries and consistency since the start of the new year and surrendered a two-goal lead to Aston Villa in the Premier League at the weekend. Their victory in the north London derby papered over the cracks after disappointing defeats to Newcastle United and Manchester United in the cup competitions.
Arsenal host Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb in north London on Wednesday for their fifth consecutive home match, with a victory taking them one step closer to automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16. Their midweek European adventure offers them the opportunity to forget their national struggles.
Here’s how Arsenal could line up for an important Champions League duel.
GK: David Raya – The Spaniard is expecting a relatively quiet evening against Dinamo, especially as the Croatian side are likely missing talismanic striker Bruno Petkovic. He hopes that the absence of William Saliba will not disrupt the defense in front of him too much.
RB: Jurrien Bois – The versatile defender was named centre-back on Saturday and performed admirably in an unfamiliar role. He is expected to return to right-back on Wednesday as Arteta rotates his troops.
CB: Gabriel – Saliba’s injury means Gabriel will likely feature on the right side of the centre-back pairing on Wednesday. He will aim to help Arsenal secure a fourth consecutive clean sheet at home in Europe.
CB: Riccardo Calafiori – Jakub Kiwior does not appear to have Arteta’s trust, making the return of Calafiori, who overcame his injury to be available, likely from the start.
CEO: Oleksandr Zinchenko – Youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly has impressed in recent weeks but could be rested by Mikel Arteta in midweek. Zinchenko, who has been linked with a January move, could step in.
CM: Martin Odegaard – Arsenal are desperately dependent on Odegaard’s creativity in the absence of injured Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. The graceful Norwegian should have fun breaking down a defense that conceded nine to Bayern Munich in September.
CM: Jorginho – Thomas Partey produced a disappointing performance against Aston Villa, while Mikel Merino could be rested in the deep-lying midfield role. Jorginho, who has also been linked with an exit from Arsenal in the future, could anchor the engine room.
CM: Declan Rice – Rice caught the eye with a display of action in the weekend’s draw with Villa and the energy he offers Arsenal cannot be underestimated.
AD: Raheem Sterling – Sterling’s loan spell at Arsenal has been disappointing 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 was criticized for his profligacy at Arsenal’s New Year, but the German scored his first goal of 2025 against Villa. This should give him a much-needed confidence boost ahead of Wednesday, when he will be keen to increase his European tally.
AG: Gabriel Martinelli – Martinelli was also on the scoresheet on Saturday, with Arsenal now dependent on the Brazilian for his blistering speed in wide areas.
