Arsenal face their toughest test of the Champions League stage when they return to Italy to face Inter Milan.

Arsenal opened the league stage with a draw against fellow Serie A side Atalanta, but Inter Milan are a different beast. Not forgetting that Arsenal’s form is slipping in the Premier League. The Gunners sit in ninth place with seven points heading into the match after beating Shakhtar Donetsk last time out at home. A victory would see Mikel Arteta’s side leapfrog Inter to move into the top eight places.

Martin Ødegaard returned to full training this week, but Declan Rice was injured against Newcastle United last weekend and will not be away for the match. This could cause problems for Arteta if his captain is not fit enough to start the match and has to come off the bench.

Arsenal could be completely different given Ødegaard’s availability. If he’s fit enough to start, expect to see Arteta’s 4-3-3. But if he is not ready to start, it will be the same 4-4-2. Given Arteta’s comments in the pre-match version, it looks like the latter.

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GK: David Raya—The Arsenal goalkeeper has not conceded a single goal in the Champions League. A stark contrast to the team’s domestic form.

CEO: Jakub Kiwior— Needing a big performance from his left back, Kiwior gets the green light. If things don’t go well, Zinchenko could be an early replacement candidate. If Ben White is fit after being substituted against Newcastle, expect Timber to step in here and White to start at RB.

CB: Gabriel— No surprises here. Gabriel teams up with Saliba in hopes of another clean sheet.

CB: William Saliba– Virgil Van Dijk has showered him with plenty of praise in recent days, but a statement here will boost confidence in Arsenal’s chances of making a run in Europe’s biggest competition.

RB: Jurrien Bois—The Dutchman starts on the right if White is not available. Otherwise, it’s on the left. He has been great for Arsenal but struggled a bit with injury to start the season.

ML: Gabriel Martinelli— Martinelli provides width and pace on the left flank, but fans want him to be more decisive and take on opposing defenders like he has in the past.

CM: Thomas Partey—The Ghanaian starts in midfield as an anchor after deputizing at right-back in recent matches.

CM: Mikel Mérinos—The Spaniard slots in on the left as a combative midfielder looking to win duels and get his team up the pitch.

RM: Bukayo Saka—The Arsenal star is handed the captain’s armband in hopes of leading his team to a big victory.

ST: Kai Havertz—Havertz has slowed down recently, but continues to work hard to get his team front and center in the press. Questions surround the Gunners’ attacking options up front and centre.

ST: Léandro Trossard—Trossard gets the green light to pair Havertz if Ødegaard isn’t fit enough to start. Gabriel Jesus scored last week in the EFL Cup, but Trossard should start here.

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