Inter Milan vs Arsenal: UEFA Champions League Preview – Team News & Lineups
Inter Milan is set to confront Arsenal in a critical UEFA Champions League match, scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, at 9 PM local time in Milan. The match will occur at the iconic San Siro stadium and is pivotal in determining the teams’ prospects for automatic qualification to the knockout stage.
Current Standings and Form
As of now, Arsenal stands as the only unbeaten team in the UEFA Champions League, having accrued 18 points from their first six matches. They currently lead the standings, three points ahead of Bayern Munich. However, their recent performance in the English Premier League has raised concerns. In 2026, they have drawn two consecutive games, including a disappointing draw against Nottingham Forest.
- Recent EPL results for Arsenal:
- 3-2 win against Bournemouth (January 3)
- 0-0 draw against Liverpool (January 8)
- 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest (January 17)
Inter Milan, on the other hand, is experiencing a resurgence in Serie A. After a shaky start, they have remained unbeaten in their last 11 league fixtures and currently sit at the top of the standings. They recently defeated Udinese and are keen to regain momentum after two UEFA Champions League losses.
Implications of the Match
This upcoming match is significant for both teams. A victory or even a draw for Arsenal would guarantee their place among the top eight teams, thus avoiding the playoff round. For Inter, a win is crucial to reversing their recent fortune in the Champions League.
Previous Encounters
In their last matchup on November 6, 2024, Inter secured a narrow 1-0 victory at home. Hakan Calhanoglu scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot, maintaining Inter’s historical edge in their encounters with Arsenal, leading 2-1 in their three Champions League meetings.
Team News
Both teams are adjusting their lineups in anticipation of this high-stakes fixture.
Inter Milan’s Lineup
Inter’s coach, Cristian Chivu, is likely to field a strong side, possibly starting Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez in a 3-5-2 formation. Key players Hakan Calhanoglu and Denzel Dumfries are recovering from injuries and may not feature in this match.
- Predicted Inter Milan starting lineup:
- Sommer (GK)
- Acerbi, Akanji, Bastoni
- Henrique, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Zielinski, Dimarco
- Thuram, Martinez
Arsenal’s Lineup
Arsenal will look to rekindle their scoring prowess. Mikel Arteta may opt to start Bukayo Saka alongside Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus in a 4-3-3 formation. The team will, however, miss the services of injured players Max Dowman, Piero Hincapie, and Riccardo Calafiori.
- Predicted Arsenal starting lineup:
- Raya (GK)
- Lewis-Skelly, Saliba, Magalhaes
- Timber, Zubimendi, Rice
- Odegaard
- Madueke, Jesus, Saka
Final Thoughts
This encounter between Inter Milan and Arsenal presents an exciting clash of two storied football clubs. The stakes are high, with automatic qualification to the round of 16 on the line. Fans can expect a thrilling match filled with intensity and drama.
