Arsenal have won just one of their last five matches in all competitions but can offer frustrated supporters respite on Wednesday in the Champions League.

The Gunners have struggled with injuries and consistency since the turn of the new year and surrendered a two-goal lead to Aston Villa in the Premier League at the weekend. Their north London derby victory papered over cracks following underwhelming defeats to Newcastle United and Manchester United in the cup competitions.

Arsenal welcome Croatian outfit Dinamo Zagreb to north London on Wednesday for their fifth successive home fixture, with victory pushing them ever closer to automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16. Their midweek European venture offers them the opportunity to forget their domestic struggles.

Here is how Arsenal could line up for an important Champions League duel.

GK: David Raya – The Spaniard will expect a reasonably quiet evening against Dinamo, especially given the Croatian side are likely missing talismanic forward Bruno Petkovic. He will be hoping that William Saliba’s absence doesn’t overly disrupt the defence in front of him.

RB: Jurrien Timber – The versatile defender was shoehorned in at centre-back on Saturday and performed admirably in an unfamiliar role. He should return to right-back on Wednesday as Arteta rotates his troops.

CB: Gabriel – Saliba’s injury means that Gabriel will likely slot in on the right-hand side of the centre-back duo on Wednesday. He will be aiming to help Arsenal secure a fourth successive home clean sheet in Europe.

CB: Riccardo Calafiori – Jakub Kiwior doesn’t appear to have the trust of Arteta, making the return of Calafiori, who has overcome injury to be available, from the start likely.

LB: Oleksandr Zinchenko – Young Myles Lewis-Skelly has impressed in recent weeks but may be handed a rest by Mikel Arteta midweek. Zinchenko, who has been linked with a January move, could step in.

CM: Martin Odegaard – Arsenal are desperately reliant on Odegaard’s creativity in the absence of the injured Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. The graceful Norwegian should have fun unpicking a defence that conceded nine to Bayern Munich back in September.

CM: Jorginho – Thomas Partey produced a disappointing display against Aston Villa, while Mikel Merino could be rested in the deep-lying midfield role. Jorginho, who has also been linked with an Arsenal exit in the future, could anchor the engine room.

CM: Declan Rice – Rice caught the eye with an all-action display during the weekend draw with Villa and the energy he offers Arsenal can’t be understated.

RW: Raheem Sterling – Sterling’s Arsenal loan has been underwhelming to say the least and the former Manchester City and Liverpool winger needs to impress Arteta on Wednesday should Leandro Trossard be rested.

ST: Kai Havertz – Havertz has come under fire for his profligacy during Arsenal’s new year blip but the German scored his first goal of 2025 against Villa. That should provide him with a much-needed confidence boost ahead of Wednesday, where he will fancy his chances of adding to his European tally.

LW: Gabriel Martinelli – Martinelli was also on the scoresheet on Saturday, with Arsenal now reliant on the Brazilian for his blistering speed in wide areas.

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