Arsenal will look to get their supporters firmly back onside with a victory this weekend as they welcome Athletic Bilbao to the Emirates Stadium for their final match in the Emirates Cup, which also serves as their last pre-season fixture ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
The North London outfit have suffered back-to-back defeats in their recent outings, so a positive result here would provide a much-needed boost to morale around the Emirates before their challenging opening-day trip to Old Trafford in the Premier League.
After reviewing our key Arsenal vs Athletic Bilbao predictions, be sure to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
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Arsenal vs Athletic Bilbao predictions: The Gunners seek redemption
Key Stats:
- Over 2.5 goals have been scored in each of Athletic Bilbao's last four pre-season matches.
- Half of Arsenal's summer friendlies have featured more than four goals.
- The Gunners have won four of their last six matches across all competitions (including pre-season), dating back to last season.
- Bilbao have lost their last four matches against English opponents.
Correct score prediction: Arsenal 3–1 Athletic Bilbao
With recent performances leaving plenty to be desired, Arsenal will be keen to end their pre-season on a positive note. Playing in front of their home fans, the advantage undoubtedly lies with Mikel Arteta’s men, especially against an out-of-form Bilbao side.
Pre-game odds and win probability
- HOME: N/A
- AWAY: N/A
- DRAW; N/A
Head-to-Head: First time meeting
This will be the first meeting between Arsenal and Athletic Bilbao, including friendlies.
Arsenal preview: Gyokeres hunting his first goal in red and white
Arsenal have endured a series of near misses in recent times, finishing second in the Premier League in each of the past three campaigns. The 2024-25 season was no different, with another runners-up finish sparking frustration among the Emirates faithful. However, a semi-final berth in the UEFA Champions League for just the third time in their history was a silver lining.
Amid both the domestic and continental shortcomings, a consistent refrain emerged – the need for a top-quality striker to lead the line. Swedish forward Viktor Gyokeres has been recruited to fill that void, yet his start has been somewhat underwhelming. He featured briefly in the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur during the Asian tour and failed to find the net in his first start for the club in a 3-2 loss to Villarreal.
The 27-year-old is expected to lead the line again in this clash, while Kai Havertz, who missed the Villarreal match through a minor injury, may return but could be restricted to a place on the bench. Fellow new signing Noni Madueke made his debut in that game off the bench and may be handed a start here.
Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard, Ricardo Calafiori and a long-term absentee remain sidelined through injury.
Predicted XI: Raya (GK), White, Saliba, Mosquera, Zinchenko, Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Madueke & Gyokeres
England Premier League 11/05/25
D
Liverpool
2
Arsenal
2
UEFA Champions League 07/05/25
L
PSG
2
Arsenal
1
England Premier League 03/05/25
L
Bournemouth
2
Arsenal
1
UEFA Champions League 29/04/25
L
PSG
1
Arsenal
0
England Premier League 23/04/25
D
Crystal Palace
2
Arsenal
2
Athletic Bilbao preview: The Williams brothers poised to start together
Athletic Bilbao have endured a torrid pre-season, losing all five friendly matches, including recent 4-1 and 3-2 defeats at the hands of Liverpool.
In this outing, Inaki and Nico Williams are expected to flank the attack alongside creative midfielder Oihan Sancet, as they look to shake off their summer woes with a strong showing against the Gunners.
Predicted XI: Simon (GK), Areso, Vivian, Lekue, Berchiche, Jauregizar, Vesga, I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams & Guruzeta
Spain La Liga 11/05/25
W
CD Alaves
0
Athletic Bilbao
1
UEFA Europa League 08/05/25
L
Man Utd
4
Athletic Bilbao
1
Spain La Liga 04/05/25
D
Real Sociedad
0
Athletic Bilbao
0
UEFA Europa League 01/05/25
L
Man Utd
3
Athletic Bilbao
0
Spain La Liga 23/04/25
W
Las Palmas
0
Athletic Bilbao
1
Player to Watch: Viktor Gyokeres
Although Gyokeres has not made the most explosive of starts to life in North London, there is no disputing his pedigree as one of Europe’s most consistent strikers.
The Swede scored an astonishing 54 goals in 52 appearances for Sporting Lisbon last season, a record that underlines his immense quality, and he will be eager to showcase those credentials in front of the Emirates faithful this weekend.