Arteta Set to Shuffle Arsenal Squad Against Inter as Champions League Spot Locked In
Mikel Arteta's rotation decisions faced criticism following Arsenal's consecutive title challenges that fell short in 2022–23 and 2023–24, and the Spanish manager's lineup choices at Nottingham Forest raised eyebrows once again.
The North Londoners had an opportunity to extend their advantage over Manchester City to nine points at the City Ground, but Arteta's decision to field a front three that has rarely clicked this campaign played a role in their lackluster performance that yielded only one point.
Although Arsenal have faced a hectic schedule to begin 2026, their flawless European campaign makes Tuesday's encounter at San Siro relatively meaningless. Arteta would prefer to preserve a perfect Champions League record, but the Gunners have already clinched their place in the knockout rounds with two matches remaining.
Therefore, this presents an ideal chance for the manager to rotate his squad significantly. Here's how Arsenal might set up against Inter.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Inter (4-3-3)
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Inter (4-3-3)
GK: David Raya—Kepa Arrizabalaga might receive his third start in four matches, having recently featured in the Carabao and FA Cup competitions, but Raya is more expected to make his seventh appearance of this campaign's group stage in Milan.
RB: Ben White—The defender has experienced something of a revival recently, with Jurriën Timber's limitations as a creative outlet in the attacking third convincing Arteta to revert to White.
CB: Cristhian Mosquera—Mosquera showed promise before sustaining an ankle problem at the beginning of December. His presence in Saturday's matchday squad was unexpected, but if he's recovered, the center-back might provide William Saliba with some rest.
CB: Gabriel—Arsenal will probably still be missing their left-footed options alongside Gabriel, so the Brazilian will retain his position in the starting eleven.
LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly—Arteta has moved away from the academy product this campaign, but Lewis-Skelly deserves a uncommon start on Tuesday evening. His Three Lions aspirations are diminishing.
CM: Christian Nørgaard—There should be extensive modifications to Arsenal's attacking six ahead of Sunday's Premier League meeting with Manchester United. Nørgaard is positioned to take over from Martín Zubimendi in the defensive midfield role.
CM: Mikel Merino—With Arsenal's forwards returning to fitness, Merino is no longer required in advanced positions. The Spanish international should gather most of his playing time in central midfield from now until the season concludes.
CM: Ethan Nwaneri—The youngster has found starting opportunities limited this season, and he hasn't particularly impressed when given chances. Nevertheless, with skipper Martin Ødegaard performing so poorly at the weekend, Arteta might look to Nwaneri for creative spark.
RW: Bukayo Saka—Arteta's choice to rest Saka at the weekend was puzzling, and it creates a dilemma for the Arsenal manager heading into Tuesday's fixture. He'll probably start and play around sixty minutes, while wearing the captain's armband.
ST: Gabriel Jesus—Kai Havertz remained on the bench throughout the weekend, indicating he's not quite prepared to start. Therefore, Jesus could feature in his maiden Champions League starting lineup of the campaign.
LW: Eberechi Eze—Eze has lost form in recent weeks, with Arteta not yet fully embracing the summer signing. If he does get the nod, he'll probably be deployed on the flank.
