Arsenal is preparing for their biggest challenge yet. They’ll face Inter Milan in a pivotal UEFA Champions League match on Jan. 20, 2026. The encounter will take place at the renowned San Siro stadium in Milan, with kickoff scheduled for 9 PM local time (20:00 GMT). With both teams having high aspirations for a long run through the group stage of this prestigious tournament, this matchup will undoubtedly be important for both sides.
All-time, the two clubs have met on three occasions in Champions League play. Inter Milan leads the tie with two wins, while Arsenal have won once. The stakes are high as Arsenal aims to solidify their position at the top of their group, currently boasting 18 points from six matches. With a slew of dominant performances Arsenal’s group stage was nothing short of magnificent. They have faltered domestically, drawing their last two league matches, the latest being a 0-0 with Nottingham Forest on January 17.
Arsenal’s Recent Form
If you’ve been following the English Premier League, you’ve heard about Arsenal’s questionable poise in moments they should have seized. To find their last victory, one would have to go back to January 3 against Bournemouth, where they managed a close-fought 3-2 victory. The Gunners haven’t found the net with regularity ever since. Their two consecutive draws underscore this concern.
Manager Mikel Arteta has acknowledged these difficulties, stating, “We came here to win the game, that’s clear, and we needed the opportunities that we had.” His club’s drastic downturn in goal production over their last few games has left them wanting and wondering.
While Arsenal’s attacking trio is as prolific a front three imaginable, Arteta is considering changes in the final third for the Inter game. He could choose to field Bukayo Saka with Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus to provide attacking support.
Inter Milan’s Strength
Inter Milan come into this match with all the confidence in the world. The team is on an 11-match domestic league undefeated run, illustrating their fight and competitive spirit. Cristian Chivu, the head coach of Inter Milan, strategically rested key players Alessandro Bastoni and Marcus Thuram during their recent victory over Udinese to ensure they are fit for this crucial encounter.
Marcus Thuram, fit again and likely to be restored to the starting XI against Arsenal, pairs well with Lautaro Martinez in a formidable striking partnership. Inter will probably go with a 3-5-2 formation that’s been successful in the last few games. Yet Inzaghi’s men are in the midst of a crisis while they battle the injuries of key contributors Hakan Calhanoglu and Denzel Dumfries. Both athletes are out with right leg injuries.
Inter Milan’s most recent match against Arsenal concluded in a dramatic fashion—in their favor. Hakan Calhanoglu netting the winning goal in their last Champions League clash, on November 6th, 2024. This historical context imparts another layer of intensity to this weekend’s match.
The Stakes of the Match
As the USA and Netherlands get ready to settle in for this heavyweight tussle, the stakes go far deeper than merely group stage points. For Arsenal, this match offers an opportunity to demonstrate their capability on a larger stage as they seek their first UEFA Champions League title—a trophy that has eluded them throughout their history.
Inter Milan needs to continue their strong form on the home front and in Europe. This is crucial if they want to have a more successful season than last year. The club has a massive history in the Champions League. As they prepare to take on Arsenal, they know they need to continue progressing from their previous achievements.
