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Arsenal face their most challenging test of the Champions League stage when they return to Italy to take on Inter Milan.

Arsenal opened the league phase with a draw against compatriots Atalanta, but Inter Milan are a different beast. Not to mention that Arsenal’s form is slipping in the Premier League. The Gunners are ninth with seven points going into the match, having beaten Shakhtar Donetsk at home last time out. A win would see Mikel Arteta’s side leapfrog Inter into the top eight.

Martin Ødegaard returned to full training this week, but Declan Rice picked up an injury against Newcastle United last weekend and will not travel for the match. That could spell trouble for Arteta if his captain is not fit to start the match and has to come off the bench.

Arsenal could look completely different given Ødegaard’s availability. If he is fit enough to start, expect 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 build, it looks like the latter.

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

LB: Jakub Kiwior– Kiwior needs a big performance from its left back and gets the nod. If things don’t go well, Zinchenko could be an early substitute. If Ben White is fit after coming on as a substitute against Newcastle, expect Timber to come on here and White to start at RB.

CB: Gabriel– No surprise here. Gabriel teams up with Saliba hoping for another clean sheet.

CB: William Saliba-Virgil Van Dijk has heaped praise on him in recent days, but a statement here will increase belief in Arsenal’s chances of making deep in Europe’s biggest competition.

RB: Jurrien Timber—The Dutchman gets the start on the right if White is unavailable. If not, it’s on the left. He has been great for Arsenal but has suffered a bit from an injury at the start of the season

LM: Gabriel MartinelliMartinelli provides the width and pace down the left flank, but fans want him to be more decisive and take on opposing defenders as he has done in the past.

CM: Thomas Partey—The Ghanaian will get the start in midfield as an anchor after switching at right-back in recent games.

CM: Mikel Merino—The Spaniard plays on the left as a combative midfielder who wants to win duels and get his team on the field.

RM: Bukayo Saka—The Arsenal star is given the captain’s armband in the hope of leading his team to a big win.

ST: Kai Havertz—Havertz has calmed down lately, but continues to work hard to be on top of the press. Questions are being raised around the Gunners’ attacking options up front and centre.

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

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