Predicted line-up for Arsenal vs Inter Milan: Champions League

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

Arsenal opened the league phase with a draw against fellow Serie A side Atalanta, but Inter Milan are a different beast. Not to mention Arsenal's form in the Premier League is slipping. The Gunners sit in ninth place with seven points ahead of the game, having last beaten Shakhtar Donetsk at home. With a win, Mikel Arteta's side would overtake Inter and move into the top eight places.

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 game. That could spell trouble for Arteta if his captain is not fit enough to start the game and has to sit on the bench.

Given Ødegaard's availability, Arsenal could look completely different. If he's fit enough to start, expect Arteta's 4-3-3. However, 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 more like the latter.

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GK: David Raya—Arsenal's goalkeeper didn't concede a goal in the Champions League. A stark contrast to the team's home form.

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

CB: Gabriel– No surprise. Gabriel is Saliba's partner and hopes for another goal.

CB: William Saliba—He has received a lot of praise from Virgil Van Dijk in recent days, but a statement here will boost belief in Arsenal's chances of finishing high in Europe's biggest competition.

RB: Jurrien Timber—The Dutchman gets the start on the right when White is unavailable. If not, it's on the left. He was great for Arsenal but suffered a bit with injuries at the start of the season

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

CM: Thomas Partey—The Ghanaian takes over the anchor position in midfield after filling in at right-back in recent games.

CM: Mikel Merino—The Spaniard operates on the left as a combative midfielder who wants to win duels and bring his team up the pitch.

RM: Bukayo Saka– The Arsenal star receives the captain's armband in the hope of leading his team to a big win.

ST: Kai Havertz– Havertz has slowed down recently but continues to work hard for his team at the front of the press. There are questions about the Gunners' attacking options front and center.

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

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