Borussia Dortmund vs Athletic Bilbao Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2025-26 UEFA Champions League | League Phase

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Niko Kovac has done a good job in charge of Borussia Dortmund as the Yellow-Blacks now welcome a frustrated Athletic Club side to the Westfalenstadion this midweek.

Kick-off date/time: 1 October 2025 at 8:00 pm

How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / US – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / US – Paramount+

Borussia Dortmund team news

Predicted XI (3-4-3): Kobel; Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson; Adeyemi, Guirassy, Beier

Unavailable: Anselmino (Injured), Can (Injured), Duranville (Injured)

Questionable: Guirassy (Injured)

Athletic Bilbao team news

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Simon; Lekue, Vivian, Laporte, Berchiche; Ruiz De Galarreta, Jaureguizar; I. Williams, Sancet, Navarro; Guruzeta

Unavailable: Vesga (Injured)

Questionable: N. Williams (Injured)

Borussia Dortmund vs Athletic Bilbao prediction

After a brilliant end to last season, Borussia Dortmund managed to get themselves into the top four and the UEFA Champions League spots. Niko Kovac is expected to have them challenging in the Bundesliga, too, but they threw away a 4-2 lead against Juventus in the opener of this competition to share a 4-4 draw in Turin.

They face an Athletic Club side that started the season well but they have returned from the September international break with some indifferent form, including a 2-0 loss to Arsenal in their opener of this tournament at San Mames, with key men such as Aymeric Laporte and Nico Williams both sidelined for the Basque outfit.

Athletic head to Germany looking for some sort of performance to restore confidence, but Borussia Dortmund have to remain as favourites with their home advantage.

Borussia Dortmund vs Athletic Bilbao Tip: Borussia Dortmund to win