Arsenal is on the brink of securing their spot in the Champions League last 16 as they prepare to face Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. This final home game of the league phase presents an opportunity for the Gunners to solidify their position and potentially make club history.
Since reclaiming their place in Europe’s elite competition, Arsenal has turned the Emirates into a fortress. They’ve been unbeaten at home in the Champions League since their humbling defeat by Bayern Munich in 2017. Under Mikel Arteta, they’ve maintained an impressive record, conceding only once at home in this competition. This season, they’ve secured three clean sheets on their home turf, including a commanding 3-0 victory over Monaco on matchday six.
Currently third in the standings with 13 points, Arsenal’s path to the knockout stage is clear: a win against Dinamo Zagreb guarantees at least a playoff spot. A victory by three or more goals would also mark a milestone, as it would be the first time in the club’s history they’ve achieved three consecutive Champions League wins by such a margin.
However, their recent domestic form has been less inspiring. A 2-2 Premier League draw against Aston Villa, where they squandered a two-goal lead, leaves them six points adrift of Liverpool. With only one win in their last five matches, Arsenal’s injury-hit squad may view European success as their best shot at silverware this season.
On the other hand, Dinamo Zagreb comes into this match holding onto the final knockout round spot with eight points, just one ahead of Paris Saint-Germain and Stuttgart. Managed by Italian legend Fabio Cannavaro, the Croatian side has struggled for consistency. Their league phase highlights include away wins against Red Bull Salzburg and Slovan Bratislava but were marred by a humiliating 9-2 loss to Bayern Munich.
Their recent form has been underwhelming. Dinamo ended 2024 with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Varazdin after a seven-game winless streak. They’ve yet to resume domestic action after their Christmas break, having only played two friendlies in 2025—a win against Lech Poznan and a draw with Jagiellonia Bialystok.
History doesn’t favor the Croatian club at the Emirates either. Both previous visits resulted in defeats, including a 3-0 loss in 2015 when Alexis Sanchez scored twice. While Dinamo’s away performances this season have been commendable, their lack of competitive match fitness could prove costly against an Arsenal side looking to bounce back.
With everything at stake, Arsenal will aim to capitalize on their home advantage and make a decisive statement in their Champions League campaign. Dinamo Zagreb, despite their struggles, will look to spoil the party as they fight to retain their spot in the knockout stage. Fans can expect a thrilling encounter under the lights at the Emirates.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Arsenal's injury woes continue to pile up, with the latest setback being William Saliba’s hamstring injury, which is expected to keep him out for a couple of weeks. This adds to an already extensive list of sidelined players, including Ben White (knee), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), Bukayo Saka (hamstring), and Gabriel Jesus (knee). However, there’s some good news as Ethan Nwaneri and Riccardo Calafiori are recovering well and should be available after their recent muscle issues.
In Saliba's absence, Mikel Arteta turned to Jurrien Timber at center-back and Thomas Partey at right-back during the match against Aston Villa. However, Partey’s lapse allowed Ollie Watkins to score the equalizer, which could prompt Arteta to reconsider his defensive setup. This might pave the way for Jakub Kiwior to return to the starting lineup.
Dinamo Zagreb also has their share of injury troubles, with veteran striker Bruno Petkovic sidelined due to an adductor issue. He missed both of the team’s recent friendlies and is not expected to recover in time for the clash at the Emirates. Petkovic holds the distinction of being the only Dinamo player to net at least four away goals in a single European campaign, achieving the feat in the 2020-21 Europa League. His absence leaves Sandro Kulenovic just one goal away from matching that record this season.
Midfield starlet Petar Sucic is another notable absentee for Dinamo due to an unspecified injury, ruling him out of the trip to London. Despite these setbacks, Fabio Cannavaro's squad remains largely fit and ready to challenge Arsenal.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; Timber, Gabriel, Kiwior, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Sterling, Havertz, Trossard
Dinamo Zagreb possible starting lineup:
Nevistic; Ristovski, Theophile-Catherine, Mmaee, Pierre-Gabriel; Ademi, Stojkovic; Cordoba, Baturina, Pjaca; Kulenovic
EXPERT PREDICTION
Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb
No other team in the Champions League has performed as well at home as Arsenal have since the start of last season, and the Gunners are still yet to concede from open play in the 2024-25 competition.
Arteta's men may be going through a sticky patch at the minute, but they will surely take care of business without a fuss on Wednesday evening, as Cannavaro is subjected to a losing start as Dinamo Zagreb boss.
