Mikel Arteta will be expected to rest some of his key stars when Arsenal take on Inter Milan in the Champions League tonight.
It is another busy week for the Gunners who are in Italy tonight before hosting Manchester United back at the Emirates on Sunday.
Having won all games in Europe this season, Arsenal are three points clear at the top of the Champions League table, nailed on to reach the knockout stages with games to spare.
While it will be a huge test against last season’s runners up who currently occupy top spot in Serie A, Arteta may use it as an opportunity to rotate his squad.
Bukayo Saka started on the bench against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, coming on for the final half hour as his side chased a winner.
Arteta revealed post-match the England star was carrying a ‘niggle’ heading into the game and could be among those rested with Noni Madueke impressing in Europe when called upon this season.
Viktor Gyokeres has remained Arteta’s first choice up front despite his goal drought but the presence of Gabriel Jesus alongside his manager at Monday’s press conference would suggest the Brazil international will lead the line tonight.
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Kai Havertz has come off the bench in two of Arsenal’s last three games having finally recovered from a knee problem but it may still be too soon for him to start. An appearance off the bench at San Siro could be more likely.
Elsewhere, Arsenal remain without Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie. Calafiori has not played since the game against Crystal Palace before Christmas while Hincapie picked up a hamstring issue in the goalless draw with Liverpool.
Max Dowman is also sidelined but Cristhian Mosquera could get his first minutes over six weeks having recovered from an ankle problem.
Eberechi Eze’s persistent absence from the team remains a head-scratcher, starting just one of Arsenal’s last seven. In four of those games he was an unused substitute, coming off the bench for the final 11 minutes against Forest.
Arsenal XI to face Inter – Metro prediction
Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi could also be rested this evening – particularly if Arteta feels this is the right game to bring Eze back into midfield.
Options to rotate at the back are limited but Christian Norgaard has slotted in at centre-half this season and could be used to hand either William Saliba or Gabriel Magalhaes a rest.
Inter vs Arsenal TV channel, live stream and kick-off time
Inter vs Arsenal kicks off tonight (Tuesday 20 January) at 8pm.
The match is available to watch live on Amazon Prime Video for subscribers.
