Dinamo Zagreb v Arsenal
Champions League, 2015-16
Date: Wednesday, 16 September, 2015
Time: 19:45 BST
Venue: Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb
Where to watch: BT Sport Europe
Live Stream: BT Sport
After finishing third in the table last season, Arsenal have managed to avoid to feature in the play-offs. It was Manchester United who made it to the group stages after making through the play-off.
The Gunners suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of West Ham United in the opening fixture of the Premier League season. Arsene Wenger will be taking his men to Croatia for his side’s first Champions League fixture.
The North London club will be aware of the task on their hands and will be looking to avoid any slip-ups when they face Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday. They will be hoping to start the European competition with nothing less than a win.
Meanwhile, the Croatian side had a tough route to make it to the group stages of the Champions League. They have not lost even a single game in the qualifiers and their home record has been very impressive.
In the last three matches played in all competitions. Dinamo Zagreb has scored 11 goals and conceded only one goal. Arsenal must be wary of the threat possessed by their midweek opponents, especially in the final third of the field.
Team News
England international duo of Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere will miss the crucial clash for the Gunners. The forward and the midfielder have been struggling to regain fitness as they are recovering from their respective injuries.
The former United man is expected to be on the sidelines for the next few months after undergoing a surgery earlier this month.
Possible Lineups: PSV Eindhoven v Manchester United
Dinamo Zagreb: Eduardo; Ivo Pinto, Sigali, Taravel, Pivaric; Fernandes, Machado, Antolic, Pjaca; Soudani. Henriquez
Arsenal: Cech; Bellerin, Gabriel, Koscielny, Gibbs; Cazorla, Coquelin; Ozil, Ramsey, Sanchez; Giroud
Match Facts
Only Real Madrid (19 years) have the longest streak of playing in the Champions League for consecutive seasons, ahead of Arsenal (18 years).
In the list of current managers, Arsene Wenger holds the record for managing most number of Champions League matches (168). Only Sir Alex Ferguson has a better record in overall standings as the Scot managed 190 matches.
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