Arsenal Vs Dinamo Zagreb: Pain In The Arsenal Predictions

Arsenal face a make or break match with Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League, but with very limited resources, can they pull out a win?

Dinamo Zagreb successfully put down Arsenal last time out, with or without the aid of some juice (and not the all-natural kind). But now the Gunners find themselves backed into a corner, needing a win and some outside help lest they face an early elimination. Wenger’s record of 15 straight qualifications from the group stage is in major jeopardy.

Also in major jeopardy is the Pain in the Arsenal predictions table. After a shoddy start to life following the North London Derby, nearly every single writer was hoisted on their own petard by predicting a win at West Brom. The few draws came out on top.

Needing some points, let’s get into the staffs predictions for this midweek match up.

Jabari: Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb

I have a suspicion that Arsene Wenger proably has not had the time to read my article, stating that Arsenal should keep their focus locked on the premier league. Therefore I have a feeling we will see a relatively strong side from the Gunners. I believe that Alexis will get a rest with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Aaron Ramsey returning from the treatment table, and I suspect that we will see a lively Arsenal side playing with style in front of their home crowd. The gunners will not be fooled by Zagreb again and this time will trounce them handily, kick-starting our campaign towards the Europa League.

I am expecting a three goal drubbing to go along with a tidy clean sheet. The two newly healed Gunners will get on the score sheet, I believe Aaron Ramsey’s predatory instincts will be on full display and he will bag a poacher’s brace. The pace of the Ox will eventually break down Zagreb’s organized defense. Mesut Ozil will be on his best using inch perfect through balls to exploit the minimal space afforded to the Gunners. Sadly this won’t be enough to propel the team into the group stages but it will be a boost to morale none the less.

Thomas: Arsenal 2-1 Dinamo Zagreb

Arsenal will bounce back at home against Zagreb on Tuesday. The Gunners, without Francis Coquelin, will look as shaky in defense as they have in recent games, but Ozil and Sanchez will carry Arsenal to an edgy 2-1 victory.

Brian: Arsenal 1-1 Dinamo Zagreb

This will be a tough test, Arsenal should play every game to win it but we all saw what happened this past weekend. Arsenal is due for a stretch of poor performance and more injuries, if that is possible. Going slightly off topic, I have to admit I laughed quite hard when I saw Arteta leave the game AGAIN. This has happened twice this season, why doesn’t Wenger just give young Gunners a chance to shine, surely they can’t do worse?

Without a decent player to play the holding position, and Wenger’s delusional fascination with starting Per at center back. I just don’t see Arsenal leaving this game, even at home, without conceding at least one goal. Every fiber in me wants to say Arsenal will lose this one because the Champions League is a lost cause, but coming off a horrible performance and playing at home, Arsenal should be able to salvage a draw.

Andy: Arsenal 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb

This is a huge game for Arsenal if they have any hope qualifying out of the group. They must win the two remaining games and hope for results elsewhere. On Tuesday, I thoroughly expect Arsenal to recover from the loss to West Brom at the weekend.

Yes, Mathieu Flamini will have to play in Coquelin’s stead, but the Gunners should dominate possession at home and win in fairly boring fashion. I’m expecting an uneventful game, with Zagreb offering little away from home. Ozil and Cazorla will see a lot of the ball. It will be up to them to unlock the Zagreb defense and secure victory for Wenger’s men.

Daniel: Arsenal 1-1 Dinamo Zagreb

Hello, darkness, my old friend. Let’s not blow the West Brom match out of proportion though. The loss isn’t that big of a deal, especially thanks to Manchester City capitulating against Liverpool. The loss of Coquelin: Now, there’s a problem. Arsenal will face a stern test against a physical Zagreb side intent on finishing what they started. Not too interested in chasing a result, as a third place finish in the group seems likely and isn’t ideal. Fourth is better if we don’t progress. I’m predicting some surprise starters. 1-1 draw. Our man Giroud for us, some nobody on a counter for Zagreb.

Max: Arsenal 1-1 Dinamo Zagreb

Honestly, there is nothing I would like to do more than to predict a comfortable home victory for the Gunners here, but my brain just says that isn’t very realistic right now. Their form has simply been dreadful, as they haven’t won a game since that 3-0 away victory against Swansea on October 31st… which was almost a month ago!

Let’s also not forget that the injury situation is still somehow piling up. At this rate, Arsenal will have to start recruiting people from the stands in order to field a complete team. I would like to sugarcoat the problem and say they will be able to get through it, but the cold, hard truth is that losing Francis Coquelin for at least two (if not three) months really stings the team, particularly the defense which has looked incredibly susceptible lately.

Dinamo Zagreb could very easily take this game and possibly eliminate the Gunners from contention in the Europa League (now wouldn’t that be embarrassing)… but I’m going to be somewhat optimistic and predict that the Gooners battle hard for a 1-1 draw after Giroud scores another header.

Things seem bleak in Europe at the moment, but if ever there was a time I would like to be proven wrong, this would be it.

Finn: Arsenal 2-1 Dinamo Zagreb

The Croatians stole three points from Arsenal in the first match of this tie in Croatia in outstanding fashion. Arsenal’s form took a turn for the better in the period after that game, but the Gunners just lost to West Bromwich Albion and are without Francis coquelin for the first time.

It remains to be seen as to who will step up and fill the crippled spine of Arsenal’s defense and defensive midfield. If Mathieu Flamini is the only option, the Gunners could be in trouble.

The gunners (hopefully) have too much quality for Zagreb this time, and will take their CL group down to the wire ahead of a match in Athens with Greek champions Olympiakos.

Josh: Arsenal 3-1 Dinamo Zagreb

Again Arsenal find themselves cornered and as is normally the case, that means that they will come out like their pants are on fire and dominate. And then they will tank against the Canaries. Or maybe it is the other way around, who knows.

Next: Krystian Bielik Must Start

Arsenal is hungry. They may be sick, tired, hurt and depleted, but they are hungry and believe it or not, the Gunners are a really gritty team when it comes down to make or break moments. Olivier Giroud will grab a brace and the fantastic Welshman Aaron Ramsey will score a beauty in his return.

Arsenal Vs Dinamo Zagreb Predictions

By Josh Sippie | Nov 24, 2015