Arsenal have won just one of their last five games in all competitions but can offer frustrated fans respite on Wednesday in the Champions League.
The Gunners have struggled with injuries and consistency since the start of the new year and gave Aston Villa a two-goal lead in the Premier League at the weekend. Their north London derby run was cut short after crushing defeats to Newcastle United and Manchester United in the cup competitions.
Arsenal welcome Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb to north London on Wednesday for their fifth consecutive home game, with victory pushing them ever closer to automatic qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League. Their midweek European venture offers them the chance to forget their domestic struggles.
Here's how Arsenal could line up for an important one Champions League duel.
GK: David Raya – The Spaniard will expect a quiet evening against Dinamo, especially considering the Croatian side are likely to be without talismanic striker Bruno Petkovic. He will hope so Absence of William Lintasa doesn't disrupt the defense much in front of him.
RB: Jurrien Timber – The versatile defender was thrust into the center of defense on Saturday and performed admirably in an unfamiliar role. He should return to right-back on Wednesday as Arteta rotates his squad.
CB: Gabriel – Saliba's injury means Gabriel is likely to play on the right-hand side of the centre-back pairing on Wednesday. He will aim to help Arsenal secure a back-to-back clean sheet at home in Europe.
CB: Riccardo Calafiori – Jakub Kiwior does not appear to have Arteta's confidence, making the return of Calafiori, who has overcome injury, an early possibility.
LB: Oleksandr Zinchenko – Youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly has impressed in recent weeks but could be rested by Mikel Arteta in midweek. Zinchenko, who has been linked with a move in January, could step in.
CM: Martin Odegaard – Arsenal are desperately relying on Odegaard's creativity in the absence of the injured Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. The affable Norwegian should have fun unlocking a defense that conceded nine at Bayern Munich in September.
CM: Jorginho – Thomas Partey produced a disappointing performance against Aston Villa, while Mikel Merino could be rested in the deep midfield role. Jorginho, which has also been linked with a move away from Arsenal in the future, could anchor the engine room.
CM: Declan Rice – Rice caught the eye with an all-round display during the weekend's draw with Villa and the energy he provides to Arsenal cannot be underestimated.
RW: Raheem Sterling – Sterling's loan spell at Arsenal has been underwhelming to say the least and the former Manchester City and Liverpool winger should impress Arteta on Wednesday if Leandro Trossard is fired.
ST: Kai Havertz – Havertz has been criticized for his promiscuity during Arsenal's new season, but the German scored his first goal of 2025 against Villa. That should provide him with a much-needed boost of confidence ahead of Wednesday, where he will relish his chances to add to his European tally.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli – Martinelli was also on the scoresheet on Saturday, with Arsenal now relying on the Brazilian for his incredible speed in wide areas.