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

URL: /match-preview-athletic-club-qarabağ-champions-league-gameweek-3

Title: Athletic Club vs Qarabağ: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

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

Meta Title: Athletic Club vs Qarabağ: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

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

Tags: Champions League, Athletic Club, Qarabağ, Match Preview

Teams: Athletic Club, Qarabağ

Categories: Football, Match Preview, Champions League

Featured Image: Athletic Club

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

• Fixture: Athletic Club vs Qarabağ

• Date: Wednesday, 22 October 2025

• Kick-off: 17:45 BST

• Venue: San Mamés Barria

Match Prediction: Athletic Club 2-1 Qarabağ

Athletic Club, despite recent losses to Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal, will look to exploit their home advantage. Their style, characterised by high pressing and quick transitions, could unsettle Qarabağ, who have shown vulnerability in away games.

Qarabağ's recent form, with four wins in their last five matches, suggests they can compete, but their loss to Ferencvárosi at home indicates potential weaknesses against strong opposition.

The match may hinge on Athletic Club's ability to convert their chances, an area where they struggled in their last two outings.

Qarabağ's attacking prowess, demonstrated by their high-scoring victories, could pose a threat, but their defensive inconsistencies might be their undoing. Expect a closely contested game with Athletic Club's home form and tactical setup giving them a slight edge.

Athletic Club's recent form has been disappointing, with back-to-back losses against Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal. These defeats highlight their struggles in converting chances and defending against top-tier teams.

However, playing at home could boost their confidence and performance, potentially allowing them to leverage their high-pressing style more effectively against Qarabağ.

Recent Champions League Results:

• Loss: 1-4 vs Borussia Dortmund (A)

• Loss: 0-2 vs Arsenal (H)

Qarabağ have shown strong form, winning four out of their last five matches, including impressive victories over Benfica and FC København. Their ability to score goals, as seen in their 5-1 win against Skendija 79, suggests they can challenge Athletic Club.

However, their loss to Ferencvárosi at home indicates potential defensive frailties that Athletic Club might exploit.

Recent Champions League Results:

• Win: 2-0 vs FC København (H)
• Win: 3-2 vs Benfica (A)
• Loss: 2-3 vs Ferencvárosi (H)
• Win: 3-1 vs Ferencvárosi (A)
• Win: 5-1 vs Skendija 79 (H)

Athletic Club and Qarabağ have never met in the Champions League, leaving bettors to focus on current form and tactical matchups. This lack of historical data adds an element of unpredictability, making the analysis of recent performances and predicted lineups even more critical for informed betting decisions.

• Beñat Prados (Knee) - Out

• Oihan Sancet (Hamstring) - Out

• Álex Berenguer (Finger) - Out

• Unai Egiluz (Knee) - Out

• Yeray Álvarez (Suspended) - Out

• Nico Williams (Muscle) - Out

• Iñaki Williams (Muscle) - Doubt

• Mikel Vesga (Muscle) - Doubt

• Nariman Akhundzade (Muscle) - Out

• Marko Janković (Unknown) - Doubt

• Predicted lineup: Simón, Areso, Vivian, Laporte, Berchiche, Galarreta, Jauregizar, Serrano, Guruzeta, Navarro, Sannadi

Athletic Club's predicted lineup suggests a focus on maintaining possession and quick transitions, with Jauregizar and Galarreta in midfield to control the game's tempo. The inclusion of Serrano and Sannadi in attack indicates an intent to exploit Qarabağ's defensive vulnerabilities through speed and direct play.

• Predicted lineup: Kochalski, Silva, Mustafazadə, Medina, Cəfərquliyev, Bicalho, Borges, Kashchuk, Zoubir, Andrade, Durán

Qarabağ's predicted lineup emphasises a balanced approach, with Zoubir and Andrade in advanced roles to support the lone forward Durán. The presence of Medina in defence suggests a focus on solidity at the back, aiming to counter Athletic Club's high-pressing strategy.

• Laporte vs Durán: This duel will see Qarabağ's forward Durán test Athletic’s Laporte with his pace and finishing ability.

• Jauregizar vs Bicalho: The midfield battle between Athletic Club's Jauregizar and Qarabağ's Bicalho will be crucial, with both players looking to control the game's flow.

• Navarro (Athletic Club): Navarro's creativity and vision out wide make him a pivotal player for Athletic Club, capable of unlocking Qarabağ's defence.

• Zoubir (Qarabağ): Zoubir’s goal-scoring threat from attacking midfield positions him as a key player for Qarabağ, potentially making the difference in a tight game.

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