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 to mention, Arsenal’s form is slipping Premier League. The Gunners sit ninth on seven points after beating Shakhtar Donetsk last time out at home. A win would see Mikel Arteta’s side Inter climb 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 is not traveling for the game. That could spell trouble for Arteta if his captain is not fit enough 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 to see Arteta’s 4-3-3. Although, if he is not ready to start, it will be the same 4-4-2. Given Arteta’s comments in the pre-match build-up, it looks like the latter.

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

LB: Jakub Kiwior— Needing a big performance from his left-back, Kiwior 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 here.” Gabriel teams up with Saliba in hopes of another free game.

CB: William Saliba— Virgil Van Dijk has heaped praise on him in recent days, but a statement here will give confidence to Arsenal’s chances of going deep into Europe’s biggest competition.

RB: Jurrien Timber—The Dutchman gets the start on the right if White is not available. If not, it’s on the left. He was great for Arsenal but suffered a bit with injury to start the season

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

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

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

RM: Bukayo Saka—Arsenal’s star gets the captain’s armband as he hopes to lead his team to a big win.

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

ST: Leandro Trossard—Trossard gets the nod to partner 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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