Arsenal head into Wednesday’s Champions League showdown against Inter Milan at San Siro under immense pressure to rectify recent domestic failures.
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The Gunners, whose Premier League form has dipped following a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United, now face a tough test against Simone Inzaghi’s resilient Inter, who share the same seven-point tally in Europe this season.
Match Preview:
Arsenal’s recent struggles were underscored by a toothless display at St James’ Park, where Alexander Isak’s powerful header secured victory for Newcastle. Without their creative linchpin Martin Odegaard, the Gunners’ attack lacked sharpness, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli neutralized by Newcastle’s formidable full-backs. This result marked a three-game winless streak for Mikel Arteta’s men, leaving them outside the top four in the Premier League and trailing leaders Liverpool by seven points.
To add to their woes, sporting director Edu’s impending departure threatens to further destabilize the club. However, the Gunners’ European campaign tells a more promising tale. A narrow 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk on matchday three preserved their unbeaten Champions League run and secured a clean sheet record that Arsenal share with their upcoming opponents, Inter Milan.
Inter Milan have been a defensive powerhouse under Inzaghi, beginning their European journey with a resolute 0-0 draw against 2022-23 finalists Manchester City. A dominant 4-0 victory over Red Star Belgrade and a dramatic late 1-0 triumph over BSC Young Boys have cemented their solid form. They nearly dropped points at home to Venezia in Serie A last weekend, only for Marin Sverko’s last-gasp equalizer to be disallowed after a VAR handball review, allowing Inter to edge closer to Serie A leaders Napoli.
With seven wins in their last eight outings and aiming for a fourth straight Champions League clean sheet – a potential first in their history – Inter hope to replicate the memorable nights of their storied European past. The last high-profile meeting with Arsenal saw Arsène Wenger’s men dismantle them 5-1 at San Siro in 2003-04, avenging a 3-0 defeat at Highbury.
Team News:
Martin Odegaard is reportedly nearing full fitness after his ankle injury and could feature at San Siro, though a starting role is unlikely. Arsenal’s defense will miss Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), Kieran Tierney (hamstring), and Riccardo Calafiori (knee), while Ben White, fit again, is expected to start, allowing Thomas Partey to return to midfield and potentially displace Leandro Trossard.
Inter’s backline scare against Venezia, where Alessandro Bastoni exited with cramps, should not prevent him from playing. Carlos Augusto remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, but first-choice Federico Dimarco will hold his spot. Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who left Arsenal in a swap deal, continues to shine for Inter alongside Hakan Calhanoglu, who may replace Piotr Zielinski in midfield.
Possible Lineups:
Inter Milan (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Calhanoglu, Dimarco; Taremi, Martinez.
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Merino, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
Prediction Analysis:
Even if Odegaard is declared fit, he’s unlikely to start, which may limit Arsenal’s attacking effectiveness against Inter’s disciplined defense. However, Inter also struggled to convert chances against Venezia, hinting at a possible low-scoring affair. A goalless draw is plausible as both teams battle for defensive supremacy.
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