Athletic Club vs Arsenal Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | UEFA Champions League 2025-26

The Gunners dominated the proceedings when these sides last met.

Athletic Club are ready to host Arsenal in their matchweek 1 league phase fixture of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. Estadio de San Mamés is all set to witness this interesting clash.

Athletic Bilbao at home will be keen on using it to their advantage. Despite being the hosts, the LaLiga side are not going to get into an easy outing here.

They have started their new season on a positive note, but fell prey to Alaves in their last league game. Athletic Club will have to come up with a unique strategy to outplay their opponents.

During the pre-season, Arsenal easily secured a win against Athletic Club and will be looking for a similar result despite being away from home. The Gunners performed well in the UEFA Champions League last season, but it was not enough for them to become the European champions. They will be coming in with a different and better approach this time around.

Kick-off:

• Location: Bilbao, Spain
• Stadium: Estadio de San Mames
• Date: Tuesday, September 16
• Kick-off Time: 10:15 p.m. IST
• Referee: Donatas Rumsas
• VAR: In use

Form:

Athletic Club: W-W-W-L

Arsenal: W-W-L-W

Players to Watch

Inaki Williams (Athletic Club)

Inaki Williams will be looking to step up here. Due to the absence of Nico Williams, Inaki will have a major responsibility on his shoulders. He is yet to score a goal in the new season, but the 31-year-old is a talented individual and is going to cause issues for the Premier League team’s defence.

Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal)

The 26-year-old Spaniard came up with a top-notch performance in the previous Premier League outing for Arsenal. Martin Zubimendi scored a brace. Despite being a midfielder, he was a complete threat to the opponent’s defence in the final third.

Zubimendi is going to play an important role yet again.

Welcome to The Martin Zubimendi Show 🤩 pic.twitter.com/uDMt4s8JB7

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 14, 2025

Match Facts

• This will be the second-ever contest between these clubs.
• Arsenal have secured three clean sheets in their last four matches.
• Athletic Club have won three of their last four matches.

Athletic Club vs Arsenal: Betting Tips and Odds

• Arsenal to win @96/100 10bet
• Viktor Gyokeres to score @9/2 Unibet
• Goals under 3.5 @3/10 bet365

Injury and Team News

Athletic Club will be without the services of Nico Williams, Benat Prados, Inigo Lekue and Unai Eguiluz as they are injured.

Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Ben White will not be in action for Arsenal as they are injured.

William Saliba has been in a couple of training sessions with the first team, but is most likely to be on the bench.

Gabriel Jesus is injured and has not been registered for the UCL by the Gunners as of now.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 1

Athletic Club won: 0

Arsenal won: 1

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups

Athletic Club predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Simón (GK); Areso, Vivian, Laporte, Berchiche; Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta; Berenguer, Sancet, Williams; Guruzeta

Arsenal predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Raya (GK); Timber, Mosquera, Magalhães, Lewis-Skelly; Merino, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyökeres, Eze

Match Prediction

This is going to be an important fixture for both clubs, and both will be keen on securing three points. Arsenal are likely to come out on top to secure a win against Athletic Club in their upcoming UEFA Champions League clash.

Prediction: Athletic Club 0-3 Arsenal

Telecast Details

India: SonyLIV, Sony Sports Network

UK: TNT Sports, BBC

US: Paramount+, TUDN

Nigeria: DAZN

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