Mikel Arteta’s side will be aiming for a vital win against their Croatian opponents, which would place them in a favourable position to finish in the top eight of the Champions League, earning direct qualification for the last 16 of the competition.

However, failure to defeat Dinamo Zagreb and then Girona away next week would mean an unwanted fixture in February’s play-off round.

Regarding the key decisions behind Wednesday’s team selection, Jurien Timber simply has to be rested after the sheer number of games he has racked up over the past week.

Whether left-footed or not, any fullback or defender in the right-back position this time would be a better idea than putting Thomas Partey there instead of midfield, where he belongs. And to be fair, as injury prone as he also is, Partey may need a break too.

It would be refreshing to see Jorginho start, while the fit-again Nwaneri comes in for the out of form Martin Odegaard.

Upfront, Raheem Sterling deserves another chance and perhaps so does Kai Havertz.

PREDICTED TEAM

Raya

Califiori – Kiwior – Gabriel – Tierney

Partey – Jorginho

Nwaneri

Sterling – Havertz – Trossard

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