This article contains affiliate links to advertisers. The analysis is our own. Gamble Aware 18+
The lights are on at San Siro for the big match of the Champions League’s seventh round between Inter and Arsenal. At the Meazza, two of the competition’s top eight teams go head-to-head, and they also happen to be the current leaders of Serie A and the Premier League: in short, it’s the very best on show.
Inter are currently sixth in the standings of Europe’s top club competition, thanks to a strong start - four wins from their first four matches. The Nerazzurri made the most of a favourable early fixture list, facing more manageable opponents, but then lost their next two games against Atletico Madrid and Liverpool. However, in neither of those matches did Cristian Chivu’s side look outclassed, and Tuesday night offers yet another chance to break their winless run in clashes against teams of similar calibre.
Arsenal need just one point to guarantee a place among the top eight, which would see them progress directly to the round of 16 without having to play the playoffs. The Gunners’ campaign has been flawless so far, with six wins from six, the best goal difference in the competition (+16), and the fiercest defence (just one goal conceded). Mikel Arteta and the club’s management seem to have built an almost perfect machine, one that has rarely faltered this season and is determined to achieve big things both domestically and in Europe.
Inter v Arsenal tips
Arsenal win or draw – 4/9 @ bet365
Both teams to score – 7/10 @ bet365
David Raya Over 1.5 saves – 4/9 @ bet365
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Struggles in the big games
This season, Inter have been dominant against mid and lower-table sides, but have really struggled in the big matches. So far, they’ve played four such games in the league and two in the Champions League, managing to pick up just one point (against Napoli at the Meazza). While they haven’t played badly in these fixtures, Chivu’s team has tended to fall apart at the first sign of trouble, allowing their opponents to take control.
By contrast, Arsenal have held their own when the level has risen. They’ve beaten Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich in Europe and thrashed Aston Villa in the Premier League. In recent outings, the Gunners have looked sharper than Inter, so our first tip is the double chance, as the visitors only need a point to secure qualification for the round of 16.
Tip: Arsenal win or draw – 4/9 @ bet365
Bet explanation: if Arsenal win or draw, your bet is a winner.
Explosive attacks
Inter and Arsenal both boast rock-solid defences, but their attacks are just as impressive. The Nerazzurri have by far the best attacking record in Serie A (44 goals in 21 matches), while the Londoners are second only to Manchester City in the Premier League (40 goals in 22 games). In Europe, Arsenal have the edge, having already scored 17 times compared to Inter’s 12.
Both teams are managed by coaches who favour an attacking style: the adage “defence first” doesn’t fit the footballing philosophy of Chivu or Arteta, and there’s no reason to expect anything different at San Siro. Our second suggestion, therefore, is to back both teams to score, in the hope of a truly entertaining match.
Tip: Both teams to score – 7/10 @ bet365
Bet explanation: if both Inter and Arsenal score at least one goal each, your bet is a winner.
A battle between the posts
Among the many intriguing match-ups in Inter v Arsenal, it’s worth highlighting the two goalkeepers. According to Opta stats, since the start of last season, Arsenal’s David Raya has prevented more goals than any other goalkeeper in the Champions League (+7.3), based on the xG of shots on target faced. However, if we look at the period starting from the 2023-24 season, the leader in goals prevented is Yann Sommer (+7.9).
These figures show that we’re in for a clash between two keepers who excel between the sticks and can make life difficult for opposing strikers. bet365 offers a market on goalkeeper saves, and we’re backing Raya to make over 1.5 saves, as he’ll have his work cut out against Lautaro Martinez, who has scored more goals in Champions League home games than any other player: 8.
Tip: David Raya Over 1.5 saves – 4/9 @ bet365
Bet explanation: if Raya makes at least two saves during the match, your bet is a winner.
Inter v Arsenal odds
Arsenal to win – 31/20 @ bet365
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Discover the best betting bonuses
If you want to bet on the Champions League, our dedicated betting bonuses page features a selection of the best promotions and bonus codes available on the market.
The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.