Inter vs Arsenal

European heavyweights collide at the San Siro tonight, Tuesday, January 20, 2026, as Inter Milan hosts Arsenal. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT (15:00 ET).

This is a high-stakes encounter between two sides currently occupying the top eight of the Champions League table. Arsenal arrives with a perfect record—6 wins from 6 matches—while Inter sits in 6th place (12 points), knowing a victory tonight would mathematically secure their spot in the Round of 16 and avoid the knockout play-off round.

Match Information

Inter Milan: The Defensive Juggernaut

Under the guidance of Cristian Chivu, Inter has reclaimed the top spot in Serie A and established themselves as one of the most resolute defenses in Europe. The Nerazzurri have conceded just four goals in their six Champions League matches so far. Chivu rested key stars Alessandro Bastoni and Marcus Thuram during their weekend win over Udinese specifically to prepare for this tactical chess match.

Team News and Selection:

• Key Absences: Inter will be without midfield maestro Hakan Çalhanoğlu (calf) and wing-back Denzel Dumfries (ankle surgery).

• Returnees: Alessandro Bastoni and Marcus Thuram are expected to return to the starting XI.

• Key Player: Federico Dimarco is the primary creative engine; he leads the Champions League this season for open-play crosses (25).

• Predicted XI (3-5-2): Sommer; Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni; Henrique, Barella, Zielinski, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martínez.

Arsenal: Pursuing Perfection

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal is currently the only team in the competition with a 100% winning record. A win tonight would not only maintain their spot at the top of the table but also set a new club record for consecutive wins in the Champions League. While the Gunners were held to a frustrating 0–0 draw by Nottingham Forest over the weekend, their European form has been flawless, with just one goal conceded in six games.

Team News and Selection:

• Injury Update: Riccardo Calafiori (muscle) and Piero Hincapié (groin) remain out. Cristhian Mosquera has returned to training and traveled with the squad.

• Saka Fitness: Bukayo Saka started on the bench against Forest due to a minor "niggle" but trained fully on Monday and is expected to start.

• Striker Watch: Viktor Gyökeres has struggled for goals recently; Arteta may opt for Kai Havertz or Gabriel Jesus to lead the line for their hold-up play.

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard; Saka, Havertz, Trossard.

? Champions League Standings (Top 8)

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

This match features the two best defensive units in the competition based on Expected Goals Against (xGA). Inter’s verticality and wing-back threat through Dimarco will test Arsenal's wide defenders, while Arsenal's control and wide overloads with Saka and Ødegaard will try to unpick Inter’s disciplined back three.

Given that Arsenal has already secured a top-eight spot and Inter’s need for points is more urgent, we may see a cagey affair. However, Arsenal’s momentum and defensive solidity suggest they can navigate the San Siro atmosphere.

Final Score Prediction: Inter Milan 0–1 Arsenal