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Match preview for Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb
Arsenal can book their place in the Champions League round of 16 with a win against Dinamo Zagreb tomorrow night.
Mikel Arteta’s side have claimed 13 points from their six games and a win, coupled with results elsewhere throughout the week, could be enough to see them through.
A stress-free progression would be welcome after a difficult run of results seriously jeopardized their silverware chances this season. A 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final was a blow as Manchester United lost the FA Cup in a penalty shoot-out.
So, a 2-1 win over local rivals Tottenham was welcomed and looked like they were on course for another three points at the weekend only to lose a 2-0 lead at home to draw 2-2 against Aston Villa.
They should find it a little easier against a Dinamo side clinging to a playoff spot.
New coach Fabio Cannavaro is yet to oversee official first-team play after taking over between Christmas and New Year. Under predecessor Nenad Bjelica, Dinamo won two and lost two in the Champions League but only finished a disappointing third in the domestic league.
European nights are back ✨ pic.twitter.com/FjtZkrSvYd
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 20, 2025
Team news for Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb
A major concern for Arteta is the availability of France defender William Saliba. Saliba missed the Villa game with a hamstring injury and looks unlikely to be risked against the Croatians.
Ricardo Calafiori, Ethan Nwaneri, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus are all out.
Dinamo could be without veteran striker Bruno Petkovic, while midfielder Petar Susic is unavailable.
Armory: Raya; Party, Gabriel, Timber, Lewis-Skelley; Merino, Rice, Odegaard; Martinelli, Trossard, Havertz
Dinamo Zagreb: Navistik; Ristovsky, Théophile-Catherine, Bernauer, Pierre-Gabriel; Ademi, Stojkovic; Cordoba, Baturina, Pajaca; Kulenovic
The game will be broadcast on TNT Sports and can be streamed through the Discovery+ app.
