Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Probable Line-ups, TV Channels and Kick-off Time for Champions League Clash

FolioPitch.com – 21 October 2026 | Inter Milan will be desperate to kick-start their Champions League campaign when they host Shakhtar Donetsk at San Siro on Wednesday evening, and all eyes will be on the latest Champions League Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk probable line-ups where to watch on TV as the Nerazzurri seek their first win of the group stage. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT), immediately following Como vs Manchester United, and the pressure is mounting on manager Cristian Chivu after a disastrous start to the European season.

The defending Serie A champions have lost both of their opening Champions League fixtures this term and, including last season, have now suffered seven defeats in their last eight matches in the competition. That alarming run has raised serious questions about Inter’s ability to compete on the continental stage, and a failure to beat Shakhtar would leave their hopes of progression hanging by a thread. With key players unavailable and tactical uncertainty in midfield and defence, the Champions League Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk probable line-ups where to watch on TV have become a major talking point among supporters and pundits alike.

Injury Woes Force Chivu’s Hand

Inter will be without several important players for the visit of the Ukrainian champions. England internationals John Stones and Curtis Jones are both sidelined through injury, while Djed Spence is expected to start on the bench as he is still not fit enough to feature from the beginning. More significantly, captain Lautaro Martinez and defender Benjamin Pavard are also unavailable, robbing the Nerazzurri of leadership and experience at both ends of the pitch.

According to several Italian sources, including Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sport Italia, Ange-Yoan Bonny is expected to partner Marcus Thuram in attack. Bonny, who scored in the recent Serie A victory over Bologna, has impressed when given opportunities and will be tasked with providing the cutting edge that Inter have lacked in Europe. The 3-5-2 system remains Chivu’s preferred setup, but there are doubts over the personnel in midfield and defence that could shape the Champions League Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk probable line-ups where to watch on TV.

Defensive and Midfield Decisions

Carlos Augusto is likely to start as a left-sided centre-back in a three-man back line, which would push Yann Bisseck to the bench. However, if Carlos Augusto is deployed at left midfield, Bisseck will come into the defence and Federico Dimarco will start on the bench. In central midfield, Henrikh Mkhitaryan is the favourite to start alongside Hakan Calhanoglu and Nicolò Barella, with Piotr Zielinski ready to provide an alternative from the bench. These selection dilemmas mean the final Champions League Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk probable line-ups where to watch on TV will only be confirmed shortly before kick-off.

Shakhtar’s Approach

Shakhtar Donetsk are expected to line up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Riznyk in goal and a back four of Tobias, Bondar, Matvienko and Pedro Henrique. Ocheretko will anchor the midfield, while Alisson, Pedrinho, Nazaryna and Newerton provide support for lone striker Kaua Elias. The Ukrainian side will look to frustrate Inter and hit on the counter-attack, knowing that the Nerazzurri’s confidence is fragile.

Where to Watch

For viewers in the UK and Ireland, the match is available on TNT Sports 5 and HBO Max, while those in the USA can watch on Paramount+. Football Italia will provide live updates via a live blog for both Como-Man United and Inter-Shakhtar. As always, check your local listings for any late changes to broadcast schedules.

Probable Line-ups

With so much at stake, Inter know that anything less than a victory will intensify the scrutiny on Chivu and his players. The Champions League Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk probable line-ups where to watch on TV suggest a fascinating tactical battle, and the Nerazzurri will need to show character and quality to keep their European ambitions alive. For Shakhtar, a positive result in Milan would be a major statement. All eyes will be on San Siro as Inter look to finally get their Champions League campaign up and running.