Inter Milan welcome Arsenal to the San Siro this evening in a blockbuster Champions League clash.
Arsenal lead the Champions League standings with a perfect record, ahead of facing an Inter Milan side who sit inside the top six. It’s the second successive season the clubs have met in the league phase, with Inter claiming a 1-0 win at the San Siro in 2024-25.
Ahead of the fixture, we’ve picked our Combined XI from the two squads.
Inter Milan vs Arsenal – Combined XI ahead of San Siro clash
Goalkeeper: David Raya – Arsenal
David Raya earns selection in goal, with the Spaniard a fine last line of defence for arguably Europe’s best backline. He’s added to a catalogue of stunning saves this season, including winning the Premier League Save of the Month for December with this outstanding stop against Brighton.
David Raya wins Coca-Cola Save of the Month for this super stop in @Arsenal‘s win against Brighton! pic.twitter.com/H5zCCQrtRu
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 16, 2026
Right-back: Jurrien Timber – Arsenal
Jurrien Timber does not always get the headlines of his Arsenal teammates, but the Dutch defender is no less important. Timber has been so consistent for Arsenal, regardless of which position he’s asked to play. A 7/10, at least, every week.
Centre-back: William Saliba – Arsenal
William Saliba can no longer be considered an heir to the world’s best defenders, but instead right among them.
The Frenchman’s faultless performances have been a driving factor behind Arsenal’s surge to the top of the Premier League and Champions League standings.
William Saliba, at his very best 🥶 pic.twitter.com/f8A5JHJ0Oq
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 2, 2026
Centre-back: Gabriel – Arsenal
Saliba said recently that his partnership with Gabriel is the best in world football, and it’s difficult to disagree.
The former’s ridiculous cool is complemented by Gabriel’s box-presence and warrior-like defending, while the big Brazilian can play a bit too. Between them, they’re competing to be the Premier League’s best defender in 2025-26.
Centre-back: Alessandro Bastoni – Inter Milan
We’ve opted for a five-man backline to accommodate Inter Milan’s backbone. Alessandro Bastoni has been the bedrock of the Nerazzurri’s recent success, which includes Champions League final appearances in 2023 and 2025. Alongside astute defending, his marauding runs forward and progressive ball use excel in a back-three system.
Left-back: Federico Dimarco – Inter Milan
Riccardo Calafiori certainly deserves a mention amid an excellent season for Arsenal, but it’s Italy teammate Federico Dimarco who gets the nod here. It’s impossible to ignore the productivity of the wing-back, who has four goals and five assists already in Serie A this season. He so often gives Inter a little oomph down the flanks.
Midfield: Nicolo Barella – Inter Milan
Inter Milan’s midfield is built around Nicolo Barella, a player whose energy and drive set the tone for the Italian giants. This season, the 28-year-old has been outstanding again, recording five assists in Serie A.
Midfield: Declan Rice – Arsenal
For Arsenal, see above.
Declan Rice is the undisputed engine of the Arsenal team, with Mikel Arteta confident the 27-year-old is now one of the world’s best midfielders. Who are we to disagree?
Bend it like Rice 🔥#UCLonPrime pic.twitter.com/yuhrSzp7AB
— Prime Video Sport UK (@primevideosport) April 8, 2025
Right-wing: Bukayo Saka – Arsenal
Bukayo Saka has not scaled the heights of previous seasons this term, but remains irreplaceable to Arsenal in their pursuit of honours.
His record in this competition is particularly impressive, with 12 goals and seven assists in just 23 Champions League appearances.
Left-wing: Marcus Thuram – Inter Milan
One of Inter’s best pieces of business in recent seasons. The Italians picked up Thuram on a free transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach, and the son of Serie A great Lilian has thrived ever since. It’s now 44 goals for Inter in 118 games for Thuram, who has formed a potent partnership with Lautaro Martinez.
Forward: Lautaro Martinez – Inter Milan
Arsenal spent big to sign a striker in the summer as Viktor Gyokeres arrived in North London, but it’s a role Inter have needed no reinforcements for for some time.
Lautaro Martinez has scored prolifically for the Nerazzurri in recent years, netting 167 goals for the club in all competitions. Just three players have ever scored more goals for Inter than their captain.
El Toro ran rampage in the box, finishing off a lovely backheel assist from Pio Esposito! 🐂🎯#UdineseInter pic.twitter.com/VeXjc0bKRD
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) January 18, 2026
Read – Iconic Performances: Thierry Henry’s irresistible display at Inter
See more – AFCON Awards: Mane leads Senegal success, Brahim’s blunder
