Athletic Club Clash with Arsenal: Battle Preview, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Arsenal begins their Champions League journey in the Basque region, facing Athletic Club at San Mamés stadium.

The two clubs met for the first time during the summer, when the Gunners hosted the Spanish side in the Emirates Cup. Arsenal secured a comfortable 3–0 win at home, though they anticipate a much tougher challenge on Tuesday evening.

Athletic Club, under the guidance of former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde, secured fourth place in La Liga last season and reached the Europa League semi-finals. Nevertheless, a relatively quiet transfer window has somewhat lowered expectations for the 2025–26 campaign, though keeping Nico Williams long-term was a significant achievement.

This marks their first Champions League appearance since the 2014–15 season, and they're facing one of Europe's most formidable teams. Mikel Arteta's Arsenal reached the semi-finals in their previous campaign and have assembled a squad during the summer that appears ready for extended runs in multiple competitions.

Both clubs have secured three victories from their opening four domestic matches this season, with Athletic suffering their first defeat at home against Alavés on Saturday. The Gunners, on the other hand, delivered an impressive 3–0 triumph over Nottingham Forest.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of Tuesday's Champions League encounter.

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Athletic Club vs. Arsenal Head-to-Head Record (All Games)

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Athletic Club Team News

Nico Williams has been a persistent target for Arsenal, but he won't get the opportunity to display his skills in front of the Gunners on Tuesday evening. The winger has been sidelined from the match due to an adductor problem.

His elder brother, Iñaki, is fit and will probably start on the right wing. Creative midfielder Oihan Sancet will feature as the home team's number 10, while Maroan Sannadi is expected to spearhead Athletic's attack.

Beñat Prados and Unai Egiluz are unavailable for the home side, while veteran defender Yeray Álvarez is serving an extended doping suspension. Inigo Lekue remains questionable due to injury.

Athletic Club Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal

Athletic Club predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Simón; Areso, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche; Vesga, Jauregizar; I. Williams, Sancet, Berenguer; Sannadi

Arsenal Team News

It was a bittersweet afternoon regarding injuries for Arteta against Forest. Skipper Martin Ødegaard was substituted in the opening half with a shoulder problem, and the duration of his absence remains uncertain. The Arsenal boss has confirmed that an operation won't be required.

William Saliba will probably be rested for Sunday's clash with Erling Haaland, while Ben White and Piero Hincapié both featured at the weekend. The duo could be rotated into the starting eleven on Tuesday.

Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz continue to be sidelined for the away team, while Christian Nørgaard was missing from the squad once more on Saturday. Declan Rice is certain to start after getting some early-season rest following the international break.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Athletic Club

Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Athletic Club (4-3-3): Raya; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Hincapié; Zubimendi, Rice, Nwaneri; Madueke, Gyökeres, Eze

Athletic Club vs. Arsenal Score Prediction

Nico Williams's unavailability represents a significant setback for the home team, and his absence was clearly felt at the weekend when they were shocked at home by Alavés.

Valverde's team has been a consistent La Liga presence in recent years and has troubled Spain's giants at San Mamés. This represents a momentous occasion for Athletic, but Arsenal pose a formidable challenge for them.

The Gunners displayed fluid and commanding form on Saturday, and Arteta now possesses a squad that enables him to make changes freely without significantly compromising their quality. They've accumulated considerable experience in this tournament under the Spanish manager and are well-positioned to handle the challenge that Tuesday's occasion will present.

Prediction: Athletic Club 1–3 Arsenal