Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb Predictions

Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb predictions for this Champions League tie. Arsenal face Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates on Wednesday, aiming to secure a Champions League last-16 spot in their final home match of the league phase. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Champions League | League Stage | Jan 22, 2025 at 8pm UK at Emirates Stadium

Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb Predictions

Can Arsenal Keep Their European Dreams on Track Against Dinamo Zagreb?

• Impeccable Home Defence: Arsenal are yet to concede from open play in the Champions League this season at the Emirates, showcasing defensive resilience.
• Zagreb’s Travel Troubles: Dinamo Zagreb’s last away defeat in the Champions League came via a 3-0 drubbing, underlining their struggles against elite teams.
• Injury-Hit Gunners Still Dangerous: Despite missing Saka, Jesus, and Saliba, Arsenal have netted eight goals in their last two home European matches.

Our Tips

Arsenal are set to host Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates Stadium in their final Champions League league-phase home match, a game that could see them cement their spot in the last 16. It’s a critical fixture for the Gunners, who, despite recent stumbles in domestic competition, have remained steadfast in Europe. Mikel Arteta’s men come into this match on the back of a frustrating 2-2 Premier League draw with Aston Villa, a game where a two-goal lead evaporated in dramatic fashion. With only one win in their last five games across all competitions, Arsenal need this encounter not just for progression but to boost morale.

On the other hand, Dinamo Zagreb arrive in London as significant underdogs. Currently clinging to the 24th and final knockout place, they’ve had a rollercoaster campaign. Their humiliating 9-2 loss to Bayern Munich earlier in the group phase remains fresh in memory, though Fabio Cannavaro’s side has shown flashes of resilience on the road. With no competitive match under their belts since December due to their domestic winter break, Zagreb face the monumental task of taking on an Arsenal side desperate to deliver in front of their home faithful. The stakes are high, and the Emirates is braced for a clash where both sides will aim to shape their European futures.

Best Bet: Arsenal to Win and Under 3.5 Goals

Given the context of this encounter, the best value bet lies in Arsenal to win with fewer than 3.5 goals scored in the match. Arsenal’s defensive record in the Champions League at home this season is impeccable, having yet to concede from open play. The Gunners’ last two European home fixtures saw them dismantle Sporting Lisbon 5-1 and dispatch Monaco 3-0, but their current injury issues suggest a more controlled and less explosive performance this time around.

The absence of key players such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and William Saliba has undeniably disrupted Arsenal’s rhythm. While Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli are capable of stepping up, they haven’t demonstrated the same attacking fluency in recent matches. Arteta’s focus may instead lean towards controlling the game rather than overwhelming Zagreb. Defensively, Arsenal remain strong despite Saliba’s injury, and the inclusion of Jurrien Timber alongside Gabriel Magalhaes should be enough to handle a Zagreb attack missing their talisman, Bruno Petkovic.

For Zagreb, their lack of match sharpness is a major concern. The Croatians haven’t played competitively in over a month and are coming off underwhelming results in the Champions League, including a goalless home draw against Celtic and a 3-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund. While Sandro Kulenovic’s away form has been a bright spot, he alone is unlikely to find much joy against Arsenal’s disciplined defensive setup.

BettingTips4You.com’s expert, Gram Dodd, encapsulates this prediction: “Arsenal’s home dominance in Europe combined with Dinamo Zagreb’s lack of match fitness makes a low-scoring win for the hosts the smart bet. Expect a professional performance rather than fireworks.” This pragmatic approach from Arteta, coupled with Zagreb’s away struggles, supports the likelihood of an Arsenal victory in a game with fewer than 3.5 goals.

Correct Score Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb

A 2-0 scoreline in favour of Arsenal feels like the most realistic outcome. This aligns closely with the rationale behind the best bet, where Arsenal are expected to control the game and secure victory without needing to overextend themselves. Their home record in the Champions League under Arteta has been almost flawless, and they’ll be keen to keep another clean sheet.

Dinamo Zagreb’s issues in front of goal further reinforce this prediction. They’ve failed to score in three of their last four matches in all competitions and are missing their top scorer, Petkovic. While Kulenovic has been a threat in Europe, the lack of creative midfield support—compounded by the absence of Petar Sucic—will make it challenging for the visitors to break down Arsenal’s defence.

Meanwhile, the Gunners, despite their attacking injuries, have enough firepower to find the back of the net twice against Zagreb’s backline, which has already shipped 18 goals in this year’s competition. Havertz and Martinelli could both take advantage of Zagreb’s vulnerability in transition, but Arteta is unlikely to push his side into all-out attack. A solid, two-goal margin would not only secure progression but also ensure the squad conserves energy for upcoming fixtures.

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