Athletic Club vs Arsenal: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

• Athletic Club to hold Arsenal to a 1-1 draw in Spain

• Both teams come into this in good form, with three wins from their last four games

• Eberechi Eze could be a player to watch on his UEFA Champions League debut

Explore Bwin’s detailed preview for Athletic Club vs Arsenal in the Champions League. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 17:45 BST match.

• Fixture: Athletic Club vs Arsenal

• Date: Tuesday, 16 September 2025

• Kick-off: 17:45 BST

• Venue: San Mamés Barria

Match Prediction: Athletic Club 1-1 Arsenal

Athletic Club's recent form suggests a robust defensive approach, having secured three consecutive La Liga victories before their defeat to Alaves on Saturday. Their ability to grind out results, as seen in the 1-0 win against Rayo Vallecano, indicates they could frustrate Arsenal's attacking play. 

Arsenal, despite a recent loss to Liverpool, have shown their offensive prowess with a 5-0 thrashing of Leeds United and a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, suggesting they could exploit any defensive lapses from Athletic Club.

The match is likely to be a tactical battle, with Athletic Club aiming to capitalise on their home advantage and solid defensive record. Arsenal's away form has been mixed, with a notable win against Manchester United, but their loss to Liverpool highlights potential vulnerabilities. Expect a closely contested game where Athletic Club's resilience could be key.

Athletic Club's recent form has been impressive, with three consecutive La Liga wins showcasing their ability to secure victories in tight contests - before Saturday's defeat. Their 2-1 win against Real Betis away from home and a 1-0 home victory against Rayo Vallecano demonstrate a solid defensive structure and an ability to capitalise on limited scoring opportunities. 

This form suggests they will approach the game against Arsenal with confidence, focusing on maintaining a strong defensive line while looking to exploit counter-attacking opportunities.

Recent Results (all competitions):

• Loss: 0-1 vs Alaves (H) - La Liga

• Win: 2-1 vs Real Betis (A) - La Liga

• Win: 1-0 vs Rayo Vallecano (H) - La Liga

• Win: 3-2 vs Sevilla (H) - La Liga

Arsenal's recent form has been a mix of highs and lows, with convincing wins against Leeds United and Nottingham Forest at home, but a disappointing 0-1 loss to Liverpool away. Their ability to score freely against Leeds and Forest indicates a potent attack, yet their loss to Liverpool highlights potential defensive frailties. Arsenal will need to balance their attacking flair with a more disciplined defensive approach to counter Athletic Club's solid backline.

Recent Results (all competitions):

• Win: 3-0 vs Nott'm Forest (H) - Premier League

• Loss: 0-1 vs Liverpool (A) - Premier League

• Win: 5-0 vs Leeds United (H) - Premier League

• Win: 1-0 vs Manchester United (A) - Premier League

• Unai Egiluz (Knee) - Out

• Yeray (Suspended) - Out

• Iñigo Lekue (Thigh) - Out

• Iñigo Ruiz De Galarreta (Muscle) - Out

• Bukayo Saka (Hamstring) - Out

• William Saliba (Ankle) - Out

• Kai Havertz (Knee) - Out

• Christian Nørgaard (Knock) - Doubt

• Gabriel Jesus (Knee) - Doubt

• Ben White (Muscle) - Doubt

• Martin Odegaard (Knock) - Doubt

• Predicted lineup: Simon, Areso, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche, Prados, Jauregizar, I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams, Berenguer

Athletic Club's predicted lineup suggests a focus on maintaining a compact defensive shape, leveraging their recent success in tight games. Their ability to secure narrow victories indicates a tactical emphasis on counter-attacks and set-piece opportunities.

• Predicted lineup: Raya, Timber, Gabriel, Mosquera, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Merino, Madueke, Gyökeres, Eze

Arsenal's predicted lineup points to an emphasis on their attacking prowess, with players capable of breaking down Athletic Club's defence. However, they must address their recent defensive inconsistencies to avoid being caught on the counter.

• Dani Vivian vs Viktor Gyökeres: Vivian's defensive solidity will be crucial in containing Gyökeres' attacking threat.

• Martín Zubimendi vs. Beñat Prados: Zubimendi's midfield control will be tested by Prados's tenacity and work rate.

• Iñaki Williams (Athletic Club): His pace and directness could be key in breaking through Arsenal's defence.

• Eberechi Eze (Arsenal): His creativity and vision will be vital in unlocking Athletic Club's defence.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.