Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal is closed down by Jamaal Lascelles of Newcastle during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James' Park on September 28, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)placeholder image
Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal is closed down by Jamaal Lascelles of Newcastle during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James' Park on September 28, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal take the trip to the San Siro to face Inter Milan and Mikel Arteta has a decision to make up front.
The depth that Arsenal have built in their squad has been impressive with Mikel Arteta able to rotate on a regular basis without weakening his starting XI.
They might have been unable to turn pressure into points against Nottingham Forest, however, their lead at the top of the Premier League remains intact despite the frustration of dropping points against one of the relegation-threatened sides.
Arteta will also be buoyed by a fitness boost ahead of that game that saw his squad strengthened. Next up for the Gunners is an entirely different proposition though with a trip to the San Siro to face Inter Milan in what could be the club’s last visit to the famous old ground. Fans who are lucky enough to be making the journey should make the most of what could be an historic night.
Mikel Arteta explains Arsenal changes
As with the Premier League, Arsenal sit atop of the Champions League standings and in a good position to land an easier last 16 tie. Against Forest, Arteta’s team selection hinted at what might be seen against Inter with the manager explaining why he rested his first choice wingers, via the club’s website: “Bukayo had a lot of minutes and he had a niggle before the game so we need to manage our players.
“We have some fantastic players that can provide different things and we did try it from the beginning, we tried after half-time as well, taking more risks and bringing in even more players in those attacking options. We tried in every way and it wasn't enough unfortunately.”
Viktor Gyokeres came under fire for his performance again with Arteta deciding to look at the collective, rather than just the no.14’s display**: ”**Obviously we want the players to be decisive at this level because we need them to score goals and create moments where we can unlock the door and get an opening which changes the game normally, and we haven't managed to take that and that's everybody's responsibility.”
Arteta to make Viktor Gyokeres decision
What was interesting, was seeing Jurrien Timber move across to the left-hand side of the defence, an indication that Arteta was preparing for stiffer tests ahead, rather than going with Myles Lewis-Skelly. It would be a surprise to see the Gunners boss make a change from this for the trip to Italy with much of his success this season being built on stability at the back. Where there could be changes, is in the forward line.
The midfield that started against Forest has the best balance of control, energy and passing whilst holding a defensive solidity at the same time. With Man United up next then Kairat, players like Eberechi Eze or Mikel Merino might be drafted into the midfield to provide a more attacking thrust.
For Inter though, it would be a surprise if Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka aren’t restored to the starting XI but the biggest decision is at no.9. Gabriel Jesus is looking sharper, however, Merino has shown already that he can make the difference in these games and should lead the line.
Full predicted XI to face Inter Milan: Raya, White, Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard, Trossard, Saka, Merino.
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