Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb simulated to predict Champions League clash
Arsenal have the chance to take a big step towards the Champions League knockout stages when they take on Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb.
After six weeks since the last round of fixtures, Arsenal return to Champions League action tonight, where a win should all but secure a spot in the knockout stages of the Champions League. The Gunners' last outing in the Champions League saw them beat AS Monaco 3-0 at the Emirates, but Mikel Arteta's side enter tonight's game with a host of injury issues and just one win in their last five games.
After going two goals ahead, Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa on the weekend, putting them six points behind league leaders Liverpool in the Premier League table. William Saliba will be absent again later today, while Arteta may be tempted to rest a few players ahead of their return to Premier League action on the weekend.
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So, can Arsenal pick up three huge points later today? Let's take a look...
Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb score predicted
To complete this simulation, we used EA FC 25 and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions.
We predict that Arsenal could line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their starting XI as follows: Raya; Timber, Kiwior, Gabriel, Tierney; Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard; Sterling, Havertz, Martinelli.
We predict that the visitors could set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with their line-up as follows: Zagorac; Moharrami, Theophile-Catherine, Torrente, Pierre-Gabriel; Kacavenda, Rog; Mbuku, Stojkovic, Pjaca; Kulenovic.
Arsenal were bright in the opening stages at the Emirates, with their quality on the ball proving too much for the visitors to contain. Arteta's side had managed 82% possession in the first 20 minutes, and they made it count when they went 1-0 ahead.
Martin Odegaard led an Arsenal attack after a turnover in possession, and on the edge of the box, the midfielder played a smart one-two with Gabriel Martinelli to find himself in a shooting position. The Norwegian fired at goal when the ball returned to his feet, curling the ball around the defender and into the corner of the net to hand the Gunners a well-deserved lead.
28 minutes in, Arsenal made it 2-0, with Kai Havertz getting on the scoresheet as he tapped home from a goalmouth scramble following a corner. Despite the lead, the Gunners continued to press for more, and just before the break, Arteta's side found themselves three goals ahead.
A short corner routine saw the ball work its way to Havertz on the edge of the box, and with the visitors anticipating a cross, they failed to close down the German, allowing him to advance into a shooting position. Under no pressure, Havertz curled a wonderful strike into the bottom corner, making it 3-0 to Arsenal.
With a dominant half-time lead, Arteta took the opportunity to rest key players, and the Gunners created few chances throughout the remainder of the game as they saw out an important Champions League victory.
EA FC 25 predicted final score: Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb
What do you think the final score will be? Let us know in the comments!