Athletic Club vs Arsenal Predictions, Lineups & Betting Tips Predictions

Athletic Club vs Arsenal Predictions, Lineups & Betting Tips

Match Details: September 16, 2025 | Estadio de San Mamés | UEFA Champions League | 17:45 BST

European football finally returns this week! The first week of the Champions League has some excellent matches in store, and here Bilbao take on Arsenal in northern Spain as both sides seek a good start to their respective campaigns. This game could be very tight, and we have a sneaky suspicion that this match could offer a shock for Mikel Arteta’s men.

Key Betting Tips: Bilbao to Win at 3.3 odds on Kwiff represents excellent value based on the tip provided by our algorithm.

Athletic Club vs Arsenal Predicted Lineups

Athletic Club Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Unai Simon; Yuri Berchiche, Aitor Paredes, Daniel Vivian, Jesus Areso; Inigo de Galarreta, Mikel Jauregizar; Unai Gomez, Oihan Sancet, Inaki Williams; Alex Berenguer.

Bilbao have looked to field a similar lineup in each of their matches this season, so Galarreta is expected to join the defensive midfield alongside Jauregizer, following injury to Benat Prados. Athletic Club will also be without Nico Williams, which could be a large miss for Ernesto Valverde. They will also be missing Inigo Lekue and Unai Eguiluz for Tuesday’s Champions League opener.

Arsenal Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): David Raya; Myles Lewis-Skelly, Gabriel, Cristhian Mosquera, Jurrien Timber; Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi; Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke; Viktor Gyokeres.

With Bukayo Saka still on the sidelines, Madueke will stay put on the right flank. Odegaard could come into the side to offer more creativity in the centre of the pitch. With William Saliba a doubt, we expect Lewis-Skelly to start at left-back, leaving either Mosquera or Riccardo Calafiori to partner Gabriel in the backline.

Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are also out through injury.

Athletic Club vs Arsenal Current League Standings

This is the first match day of the 2025/26 Champions League so we will instead look at their league form. Bilbao are one of just two sides to have maintained a perfect start to La Liga, winning three out of three, as they sit tight at the top with Real Madrid. With Deportivo Alaves at the weekend, they could very well make it four.

As for the Gunners, it is by no means a poor start. An opening day win against Man United was followed up by a thumping of Leeds at the Emirates. Arteta’s side so almost entered the international unbeaten, and they have done so if Dominik Szoboszlai didn’t score a fabulous free kick to steal all three points. With these six points, Arsenal sit in third place on goal difference. Their result against Nottingham Forest could change their league position heading into this game.

Athletic Club vs Arsenal Head-to-Head Timeline

These sides have met just once in history, with the Gunners running away with a 3-0 win in a friendly in August. Although the squads are similar now, this doesn’t change our take on the prospect of this fixture, since this will be the first time these two meet competitively.

Athletic Club and Arsenal Recent Matches Analysis

Athletic Club Last 5 Matches:

• Athletic Club 0-1 Osasuna (H) – Club Friendly
• Athletic Club 2-1 Real Betis (A) – La Liga
• Athletic Club 1-0 Rayo Vallecano (H) – La Liga
• Athletic Club 3-2 Sevilla (H) – La Liga
• Athletic Club 0-3 Arsenal (A) – Club Friendly

When it comes to competitive matches this season, Bilbao seem to knuckle down and get a good result.

Arsenal Last 5 Matches:

• Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool (A) – Premier League
• Arsenal 5-0 Leeds (H) – Premier League
• Arsenal 1-0 Man United (A) – Premier League
• Arsenal 3-0 Athletic Club (H) – Club Friendly
• Arsenal 2-3 Villarreal (H) – Club Friendly

Arsenal have had a solid start to the league campaign, scoring six and conceding once.

Athletic Club vs Arsenal Predictions

Our advanced algorithm analyses over 200 data points to generate these predictions with confidence in a Bilbao victory. The model factors in current form, head-to-head records, player availability, and tactical matchups.

Best Athletic Club vs Arsenal Betting Tips

Football Park’s Best Bet: Bilbao to Win @ 3.3 - Recent form suggests confidence in a close game. Both teams have weaker than ideal attack force so it could come down to which attacking line can discomfort the other teams defence. We believe that Bilbao could have the edge, and the Saka absence could hurt the visitors in the final third.

Key Players to Watch: Athletic Club vs Arsenal

Inaki Williams (Athletic Club): Despite his brother being out, Inaki is sure to discomfort the left side of Arsenal and Lewis-Skelly could have a tough game on his hands.

Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal): He has already hit the ground running in a red shirt, scoring his first goal against Leeds a few weeks ago.

Athletic Club vs Arsenal Match Facts

Referee: TBC

Broadcast Details:

UK: Discovery+, TNT Sports 1 at 17:45 BST.

Stadium Information: Located in northern Spain, Bilbao’s Estadio de San Mamés can hold a crowd of up to just over 50,000 fans.

Athletic Club vs Arsenal: Final Prediction

Athletic Club 1-0 Arsenal