Fixture: Arsenal vs GNK Dinamo Zagreb
Date: Wednesday, 22 January 2025
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
Kick-off: 20:00 CET
Match Context
Arsenal welcomes GNK Dinamo Zagreb to the Emirates in a critical Matchday 7 clash of the UEFA Champions League league phase. A victory would secure Arsenal's progression to the knockout stages, while Dinamo needs a monumental result to keep their hopes alive. With contrasting European pedigrees and stakes on the line, this promises to be a fascinating encounter.
Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 4
- Arsenal Wins: 3
- GNK Dinamo Wins: 1
- Goals Scored: Arsenal 9 – 3 GNK Dinamo
Previous Meetings
- Arsenal 3-0 GNK Dinamo – Nov 24, 2015 (Champions League)
- GNK Dinamo 2-1 Arsenal – Sep 16, 2015 (Champions League)
- Arsenal 2-1 GNK Dinamo – Aug 23, 2006 (Champions League Qualifier)
- GNK Dinamo 0-3 Arsenal – Aug 8, 2006 (Champions League Qualifier)
Team Form and Overview
Arsenal
Recent Form: D-W-L-L-D
Key Results:
- 2-1 win vs Tottenham (Premier League)
- 3-0 victory over Monaco (UCL Matchday 6)
Champions League Performance:
- Record: 4 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss (13 points)
- Home Record vs. Croatian Teams: Unbeaten in 3 matches.
Strengths:
- Exceptional home form in Europe, with 14 wins in their last 18 games.
- Creativity and control through Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice in midfield.
Weaknesses:
- Injuries to key players like Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.
GNK Dinamo Zagreb
Recent Form: D-W-W-L-D
Key Results:
- 3-0 win vs Slovan Bratislava (UCL Matchday 5)
- 0-0 draw vs Celtic (UCL Matchday 6)
Champions League Performance:
- Record: 2 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses (8 points)
- Away Record vs. English Teams: 1 win, 1 draw, 8 losses.
Strengths:
- Effective in transitions with creative outlets in midfield.
- Resurgence in European away form with 4 wins in their last 6 road fixtures.
Weaknesses:
- Struggles against elite European opposition, highlighted by heavy defeats to Bayern Munich and PSG in recent seasons.
Tactical Breakdown
Arsenal
- Manager: Mikel Arteta
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Approach: Arsenal will look to dominate possession, leveraging their attacking full-backs and fluid midfield to break down Dinamo’s defensive lines.
Key Players:
- Martin Ødegaard: The midfield maestro, dictating play and contributing with goals.
- Gabriel Martinelli: A pacey and direct threat down the wing.
- Declan Rice: Essential for breaking up counter-attacks and controlling the midfield.
GNK Dinamo Zagreb
- Manager: Fabio Cannavaro
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Approach: Dinamo will aim for a compact defensive shape, relying on quick counter-attacks through Bruno Petković and Luka Stojković.
Key Players:
- Bruno Petkovic: A vital player in the Dinamo attack, capable of holding up play and scoring in crucial moments.
- Kevin Theophile-Catherine: Tasked with keeping Arsenal’s forwards at bay.
- Martin Butarina: The creative engine in midfield and pivotal in transitions.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: David Raya
- Defenders: Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhães, Thomas Partey
- Midfielders: Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Mikel Merino
- Forwards: Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard
GNK Dinamo Zagreb (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Danijel Zagorac
- Defenders: Maxime Bernauer , Ronael Pierre-Gabriel, Kevin Theophile-Catherine, Stefan Ristovski
- Midfielders: Josip Mišić, Marko Rog
- Attacking Midfielders: Martin Butarina, Dario Špikić, Marko Pjaca
- Forward: Bruno Petkovic
Match Prediction
Arsenal’s dominance at the Emirates, coupled with their superior squad depth, makes them firm favourites. Dinamo’s reliance on counter-attacks may create moments of danger, but the Gunners’ organised defence and midfield control should prove decisive.
- Predicted Scoreline: Arsenal 3-1 GNK Dinamo Zagreb
- Player to Watch: Martin Ødegaard – His creativity and goal-scoring ability could unlock Dinamo’s defensive setup.
Fun Facts
Unbeaten Record: Arsenal has never lost to GNK Dinamo at home in European competition.
Cannavaro’s Emirates Return: Fabio Cannavaro, Dinamo’s manager, once played against Arsenal as a Real Madrid defender in the 2006 Champions League.
Croatian Clubs in London: Croatian teams have historically struggled in London, with only one victory in 12 attempts.
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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.
