Athletic Club vs Arsenal: Predictions Preview, Lineups, H2h for September 16, 2025

The opening round of the UEFA Champions League group stage will see Athletic take on Arsenal. This match will occur in Bilbao on Tuesday, September 16, with kickoff at 18:45 Central European Time. Here’s a look at the matchup.

Match preview

Athletic comes into the Champions League filled with confidence. Ernesto Valverde’s team has started well in La Liga and is sticking to its aggressive playing style.

The team relies on high-energy pressing and quick transitions from defense to offense. Playing at home in San Mamés, they aim to maximize their advantage—known for its unique atmosphere and enthusiastic crowd support.

The Williams brothers, Iñaki and Nico, are key players, using their speed and ability to create chances on the wings. While Nico has been impressive early in the season, he is currently sidelined with an injury from the national team.

Athletic faced their first loss of the season over the weekend, losing unexpectedly to Alavés at home despite a solid performance. They still sit third in the league, just behind Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Arsenal enters the Champions League as an exciting project under Mikel Arteta. He is developing a team with good ball control, diverse attacking styles, and quick adaptability to different match situations.

Consistency has improved, but injuries are a concern. Saka, Saliba, and White have already been ruled out early this season, while Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are still recovering. This has made the squad less than ideal, but Arteta is gradually incorporating new players like Eze and Mosquera, while Gyökeres and Zubimendi have become regular starters.

In a recent victory over Nottingham Forest, Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard picked up another injury. Although surgery is not needed, Ødegaard is unlikely to play in the upcoming match.

Match facts

• Athletic has not had a draw in their last five matches.
• Arsenal has scored in all but one of their last nine matches.
• Athletic averages 1 goal per game at home; Arsenal averages 1.4 goals per game away.

Probable lineups

• Athletic Bilbao: Simón, Paredes, Vivian, Areso, Berchiche, Prados, Vesga, Sancet, I. Williams, Berenguer, Guruzeta.
• Arsenal: Raya, Calafiori, Gabriel, Mosquera, Timber, Zubimendi, Rice, Merino, Eze, Madueke, Gyökeres.

H2H

The two teams faced each other recently in a pre-season friendly, where Arsenal won 3-0.

Prediction

San Mamés is known as a challenging venue for visiting teams, and Athletic will aim to start strong. However, Arsenal has a higher-quality squad and can take advantage of spaces left by Athletic’s pressing. My prediction: Arsenal (draw no bet).