Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2025-26 UEFA Champions League | League Phase
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UEFA Champions League football is returning to San Mames, as Ernesto Valverde’s Basque giants prepare for the visit of Arsenal to Bilbao this week in their opening game.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / US – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / US – Paramount+
Athletic Bilbao preview: Brilliant Basque
With former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde at the helm, Athletic Club have enjoyed an impressive few years and now Europe’s elite club competition has returned to Bilbao on the back of a strong start to the season in La Liga.
However, that strong start was halted at the weekend in a Basque derby, as Athletic suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat to Deportivo Alaves in Bilbao at the weekend, with Alex Berenguer scoring a 57th minute own goal to separate the two sides.
Arsenal preview: Strong squad
Mikel Arteta has been granted some major funds over the summer, and he has deepened the Arsenal squad, with the Gunners now boasting a quality of depth that should have them challenging on all fronts this season.
The Gunners come into this one on the back of a comfortable 3-0 defeat of Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium at the weekend, to make it three victories from their opening four Premier League matches so far in this campaign.
Athletic Bilbao team news: No Nico Williams
Having managed to keep hold of Barcelona-linked Nico Williams over the summer, the Spain international is now unavailable for the start of their European campaign due to an injury.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Simon; Areso, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche; Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta; Berenguer, Sancet, I. Williams; Guruzeta
Unavailable: Yeray (Disciplinary), Egiluz (Injured), Lekue (Injured), Prados (Injured), N. Williams (Injured)
Questionable:
Arsenal team news: A few issues
William Saliba was left out against Forest and he is a doubt for this midweek, alongside captain Martin Odegaard, who had to be replaced in the first-half of that clash. Bukayo Saka is sidelined for the next couple of weeks.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Zubimendi, Merino; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Unavailable: Saka (Injured), Havertz (Injured), Jesus (Injured)
Questionable: Saliba (Injured), Norgaard (Injured), Odegaard (Injured)
Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal prediction
On the big occasion last season, Athletic put in a couple of woeful performances, particularly against Manchester United in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League. They have dealt with a few difficult things over the summer, such as Yeray Alvarez now being suspended for ten months, and performances haven’ been as good as esults have suggested thus ar. Arsenal may have some key absentees for this one but the depth has been built for a reason and they could get themselves off to a winning start in Europe.
Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal Tip: Arsenal to win
