Arteta Shakes Up Arsenal Squad for Champions League Debut Against Athletic Club
Arsenal have experienced two successful Champions League seasons under Mikel Arteta's guidance, and there should be genuine confidence that the Gunners can claim European glory this campaign.
Arteta's squad looked impressive upon returning from the international break on Saturday, as they scored three goals against a questionable Nottingham Forest side managed by Ange Postecoglou after Nuno Espírito Santo's exit.
The summer acquisitions have largely integrated well, and it seems the challenges of 2024–25 have been resolved through their transfer window activity. Their squad depth will enable Arteta to make strategic rotations for Tuesday's Champions League match against Athletic Club if desired, though the Spanish manager will probably avoid major lineup changes.
Here's how Arsenal might set up at San Mamés for their league phase debut, as Arteta makes his return to the Basque region.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Athletic Club (4-3-3)
GK: David Raya—The Spanish keeper appropriately marked his 100th Arsenal match with a shutout on Saturday, and Arteta won't be altering his goalkeeper choice for the midweek fixture.
RB: Ben White—Jurrien Timber is Arsenal's preferred right-back, but White will be eager to challenge the Dutch defender, having struggled during the 2024–25 campaign. With Nico Williams unavailable, Arteta might be inclined to field the English player.
CB: Cristhian Mosquera—William Saliba has resumed training before the match and could make the trip to Spain, but he'll probably be saved for Sunday's encounter with Manchester City. Mosquera delivered another solid performance over the weekend.
CB: Gabriel—Gabriel has been reliably excellent at the core of Arsenal's backline over recent seasons, establishing himself among Europe's finest. He'll partner with Mosquera once more.
LB: Piero Hincapié—The Ecuadorian defender is poised to make his Arsenal debut, having joined the club on loan during the final day of the transfer window. Hincapié is capable of fulfilling a role similar to Riccardo Calafiori.
CM: Martín Zubimendi—Zubimendi netted his first professional double against Forest, and he'll be motivated to play against Real Sociedad's fierce Basque competitors.
CM: Declan Rice—The England midfielder received some rest over the weekend and will be ready for Tuesday's contest.
CM: Ethan Nwaneri—Martin Ødegaard's shoulder problem doesn't need surgical intervention, but he'll be absent for Tuesday's fixture, which should provide Nwaneri, who came on as his replacement on Saturday, an opportunity to enter Arteta's starting lineup.
RW: Noni Madueke—Madueke has excelled while covering for Bukayo Saka, and his early-season displays have undoubtedly caused many to regret their social media criticism following his summer transfer.
ST: Viktor Gyökeres—The Swedish striker found the net for his third Premier League goal on Saturday, and it's difficult to envision him not scoring given the quality of Arsenal's wing players.
LW: Eberechi Eze—Eze represents a clear improvement over Gabriel Martinelli, though many feel he's better suited for a more central role. The talented creator assisted Gyökeres with a precise delivery at the weekend.
