Arsenal are set to travel to San Siro on Wednesday to face Italian heavyweights Inter Milan in their fourth UEFA Champions League clash this season.
The Gunners will be hoping for some relief here after going through a poor phase in the Premier League. They lost two of their past three games and are now seven points adrift of league leaders Liverpool.
They weren’t able to get the better of Newcastle United in the 1-0 defeat, which highlights the urgency to get things back on track for Mikel Arteta.
They have made a good start in the UCL, which is justified by their dominating victory over French champions Paris Saint-Germain last month. However, things will only get complicated as we proceed deeper into the tournament. Inter will be a tough nut to crack in arguably one of the most iconic stadiums in Europe. If you’re looking to get in on the action, you can check out M88 online sports betting for your wagering options on this anticipated fixture.
Looking forward to the challenge 👊 pic.twitter.com/FNmcJb0Nym
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 5, 2024
MUST READ: Inter defender Matteo Darmian speaks about Arsenal talent with ‘great qualities’ ahead of Champions League game
The Nerazzurri have won their past seven games out of eight in all competitions. They are just one point behind Antonio Conte-led Napoli. The Serie A side also had to suffer a scare against Venezia, but the dangerous pairing of Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram makes them a huge attacking threat.
They were also able to execute their plans well in the UCL this campaign, with two wins in the opening three games. Arsenal also needs to be careful of their disciplined defensive line that kept Manchester City at bay for the entire game, resulting in a 0-0 draw.
The North London outfit had the last laugh when both sides met in the 2003-04 blockbuster Champions League clash. Arsene Wenger’s side completed a 5-1 thrashing of the Italian giants.
Circumstances have changed, and Arsenal have to deal with some injury crises of their own. They are also rocked by the news that sporting director Edu Gaspar won’t be continuing with the club any longer. With so many puzzles to solve, it will be interesting to see how Arteta’s team will respond to a little bump they had in their impressive victory run.
Here is how Arsenal could lineup against Inter Milan:
Defense: David Raya, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber
Arsenal needs to have strong defensive support if they want to crush Inter’s fiery attacking lineup. Raya is expected to start in front of goal, with White and Timber being solid pillars at the left and right sides of defence, respectively.
Riccardo Calafiori is still out, and we don’t expect him to return before the international break. The ever-dependent centre-back pairing of Saliba and Magalhaes will complete the rest of the defence.
The back line has to make sure they don’t leak goals and keep it tight at the back. They were impressive against PSG, and a similar performance can prove vital.
Midfield: Thomas Partey, Leandro Trossard, Mikel Merino
The fans will be thrilled to hear that captain Martin Odegaard is finally back in the team, and he will be travelling with the squad on Wednesday. After being absent since September, the Norwegian midfielder can finally make a substitute appearance in this game.
Declan Rice has suffered a minor knock during the Newcastle game, and he won’t be available for the Inter clash. Hence, Merino could team up with Partey in the base of the midfield.
Trossard could move up and down the pitch and operate primarily as an attacking midfielder in this game.
Attack: Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli
If Arteta’s team wants to puncture the Serie A elite’s resolve, then they need Martinelli on the flanks. He has created five chances from the carry, the most by any player in the opening three UCL fixtures this season.
MUST READ: Arsenal look to pip rivals in the pursuit of highly-rated LaLiga youngster
Havertz also scored a crucial opener vs. PSG, and his superb poacher skills are a must for the Gooners. Saka’s speed and clever dribbling moves will be an asset to disturb Inter’s tight defence.
Predicted lineup for Arsenal vs. Inter Milan: David Raya, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey, Mikel Merino, Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli
