Saturday's defeat at Newcastle was so lacking in inspiration that Mikel Arteta must have gone straight back to the drawing board when he stepped onto London Colney after the long journey back from Tyneside.

Without captain Martin Odegaard, Arsenal were flat and bland. The coach may have believed his team could put pressure on the eager hosts, but Newcastle were dominant in all phases and confidently held off the Gunners after Alexander Isak headed them into an early lead.

We shouldn't expect any major changes to the starting XI for Wednesday's tough Champions League clash against Inter, but Saturday's team will certainly adapt. There is even hope that Odegaard will fly out with the team and return to action after a six-week break.

With a London derby against Chelsea coming up on Sunday, here is the team Arteta could choose for the game against the Nerazzurri.

Goalkeeper and defender

David Raya (GK) – The Spaniard kept his third clean sheet in as many league games in the last game against Shakhtar Donetsk. Raya will have to work hard to record another shutout in Milan.

Ben White (RB) – White was fit enough for a cameo appearance on Saturday and is expected to return to the starting lineup on Wednesday evening.

William Saliba (CB) – Given Inter's plethora of striker options, we don't know who Saliba should avoid in the channels. The centre-back hopes Simone Inzaghi gives Marcus Thuram a breather after 90 minutes on Sunday.

Gabriel (CB) – Gabriel quickly recovered from a setback on Saturday and will be ready to go again here. The Brazilian's penalty area defense will be tested by an Inter team that can hurt you in a variety of ways.

Jurrien Timber (LB) – The absence of Riccardo Calafiori hampers Arsenal's flexibility and while there is no doubt about Timber's defensive abilities, the Dutchman does not always seem comfortable when in possession on the left.

midfielder

Thomas Partey (CM) – The Ghanaian should move out of the defensive line upon White's return and carve out a spot at the base of midfield, where he will often be supported by Timber in the build-up phase. Partey has started every Premier League and Champions League game this season.

Declan Rice (CM) – Rice's long-term future may lie in a deeper position, but Arteta still values ​​him higher up the pitch. He improved on Saturday when he was deployed as a left-eighth.

Kai Havertz (AM) – Havertz is a free-roamer in Arteta's squad, but a change in boss should move the German away from the right-sided role he has played in recent games. Havertz could be deployed in the middle of the park to create Inter's midfield three, but he will also be tasked with getting into the opposition penalty area late – like he did against PSG.

Forward

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Saka was shut out by the impressive Lewis Hall at the weekend and will be surrounded by multiple Nerazzurri bodies every time he gains possession here. The winger will likely see plenty of Alessandro Bastoni on his flank.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) – Jesus doesn't necessarily deserve a start here, but he hasn't had much opportunity to build on the momentum he gained with his goal in Preston on Saturday. The Brazilian captained the team last time out in this competition.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – Since Arteta doesn't like Raheem Sterling, Martinelli could well get the job on the left again. Leandro Trossard shouldn't be anywhere near the starting XI given his current performance level.

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