Huge clubs on the face of things, reluctant attackers with a slightly closer look. Inter Milan and Arsenal is probably one of those fixtures that Uefa imagined would spark excitement, a big-game feel and all the razzmatazz they wanted to be front and centre in a new-look Champions League every single gameweek.
By Karl Matchett
In reality, we’ve got another match where the outcome won’t be a tell-all for progression, leaving less enticement than usual to go all-in on a win with key domestic matches on the horizon: Napoli and Chelsea at the weekend represent more important three points than these ones do.
A battle between impressive defences
Inter have home advantage and by far the better form of late, being unbeaten across their last eight in all competitions and keeping five clean sheets in the last seven. That certainly points to them being a side who can trouble the Gunners – plus they drew 0-0 with Man City back in September – but Arsenal will hope for a return to their own formidable defensive ways. At the start of the season the Gunners kept four clean sheets out of the first five – and they’ve managed three shutouts from three in Europe. With two wins and two defeats in their last five, though, they are not anywhere near the relentless level right now that they need to be to be among title contenders in all competitions.
Possible return for Arsenal skipper?
The influential Martin Ødegaard is back in training but this game is surely too soon for him, while Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also out. It likely means more of the same from Mikel Arteta, but a lack of impact from Leandro Trossard of late could see him lose his starting spot to either a third central midfielder or perhaps Gabriel Jesus. Inter are missing Carlos Augusto but otherwise have a full squad to choose from, so Federico Dimarco – the leading chance creator in Serie A this season (with 27) – should line up at left wing-back.
Key players
While Simone Inzaghi might have a full squad, it might not mean full strength. Lautaro Martínez for example has five goals in ten in Serie A and strike partner Marcus Thuram has seven in 11 – but they’ve made one Champions League start between them. Inzaghi has rotated for this competition, so Nicolo Barella – as one of the few regulars in both teams – is a must-perform player for the hosts.
He’s creating at a rate of 2.5 chances per 90, plays 4.5 accurate long balls and makes seven recoveries in Europe so far this term, highlighting his impact the entire length of the pitch. Arsenal meanwhile could do with a return to form for Kai Havertz, who has just one goal in his last five…and that came against lower league Preston in the cup. At the moment, it’s Bukayo Saka or nobody for chance creation.
Prediction
Unless Arsenal find a way to raise their game, they’ll struggle to break down Inter, who themselves don’t need to go all-out to find a win. A solitary strike on the night will decide the points and we’ll side with the home team. Inter 1-0 Arsenal.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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