Mikel Arteta has made a significant change to his Arsenal side for their Champions League clash with Inter Milan, as Ben White returns to the starting lineup. However, the Gunners face a major challenge without star midfielder Declan Rice, who misses out due to a foot injury. This forces a tactical reshuffle for a crucial European fixture at the Emirates, where Arsenal hopes to secure a much-needed victory.
Arteta’s Tactical Reshuffle in Defence and Midfield
Ben White comes back into the team at right-back, replacing Takehiro Tomiyasu from the side that lost to Newcastle. The rest of the defence remains unchanged, with Jurrien Timber at left-back and the formidable partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães continuing at centre-back.
The most notable team news is the absence of Declan Rice, whose foot injury is a major blow to the Gunners. Rice’s ability to dominate the midfield has been a cornerstone of Arsenal’s strategy this season.
In his place, Thomas Partey returns to his natural deep-lying midfield role. He will be joined by Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard in a new-look midfield trio designed to provide both defensive stability and attacking transitions against a strong Inter side.
Havertz to Lead the Line as Ødegaard Waits on the Bench
In attack, Kai Havertz gets the nod as the central striker, flanked by captain Bukayo Saka and the speedy Gabriel Martinelli. Arteta will rely on Havertz’s intelligent movement and link-up play to disrupt Inter’s experienced defence, which features Benjamin Pavard and Stefan de Vrij.
In a huge boost for Arsenal, Martin Ødegaard is fit enough to make the bench. His availability as a substitute provides Arteta with a world-class creative option to change the game in the second half. Youngsters Josh Robinson and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji are also among the substitutes.
Inter Milan’s Rotated Squad Poses a Different Threat
Inter manager Simone Inzaghi has also made several changes, with five new faces in his starting eleven compared to their last match. Despite the rotation, their attack is spearheaded by the lethal Lautaro Martinez, who remains their biggest goal threat.
The Italian side has left significant quality on the bench, with key players like Nicolo Barella, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Alessandro Bastoni available as substitutes. This depth gives Inzaghi powerful options to introduce if his initial game plan doesn’t work.
Key Battles That Could Decide the Match
Tonight’s fixture features several intriguing matchups all over the pitch that could determine the final result. The team that wins these individual duels will likely gain a strong foothold in the game.
Here are the key battles to keep an eye on:
- Saliba vs. Martinez: A classic test of strength and intelligence between one of Europe’s top defenders and a world-class finisher.
- Partey vs. Çalhanoğlu: This midfield contest pits Partey’s physicality and ball-winning skills against the technical prowess and creativity of Çalhanoğlu.
- Saka & Martinelli vs. Dumfries & Darmian: Arsenal’s wingers will be tasked with exploiting the space behind Inter’s attacking full-backs, which could be a decisive factor.
Full Team Lineups
Arsenal Starting XI and Substitutes
XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Partey, Merino, Trossard, Saka, Martinelli, Havertz
Subs: Neto, Robinson, Zinchenko, Myles-Skelly, Kiwior, Jorginho, Odegaard, Nwaneri, Sterling, Jesus, Butler-Oyedeji
Inter Milan Starting XI and Substitutes
XI: Sommer, Dumfries, Pavard, De Vrij, Bisseck, Darmian, Frattesi, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Taremi, L Martinez
Subs: Di Gennaro, J Martinez, Arnautovic, Thuram, Acerbi, Buchanan, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Barella, Dimarco, Bastoni
