Athletic Bilbao will take on Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, 16 September, as club football's top competition gets underway.
Last season, Athletic Bilbao made it all the way to the Europa League semi-finals before losing to Manchester United. Arsenal, meanwhile, made it through to the same stage but in the Champions League.
After nearly years for both clubs, there will be plenty of determination to get things right this time around in both camps.
As part of this week's round of Champions League betting tips, check out our Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal prediction below.
Contents
Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal prediction: The hosts to avoid defeat
Key Stats
- Athletic Bilbao won six of their seven matches at home in Europe last season.
- Arsenal failed to win three of their seven away matches in Europe last season.
- Both teams have scored in four of Arsenal's last six European matches.
Correct score prediction: Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Arsenal
Athletic Bilbao are a very capable side, and they have been among the best four teams in Spanish football for at least 18 months now. Arsenal aren't known for being overly expansive, and Mikel Arteta will perhaps be more concerned about not losing their first UCL match rather than going all out for the win.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Arsenal start as favourites
- HOME: 29/10 (3.90) – 25.6%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 10/11 (1.91) – 52.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal odds suggest that Arsenal should leave Spain with three points on the board on Tuesday night. Ladbrokes have given the Gunners a 52.4% chance of winning the match, while Athletic Bilbao have been given a 25.6% chance of victory.
Meanwhile, William Hill have a promo code on offer that can be taken advantage of for this match and all other Champions League matches this week.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Just one previous friendly
This will be the first time that Athletic Bilbao and Arsenal have ever played against each other in a competitive match. Ironically, though, the two clubs did meet in a pre-season friendly this summer, with Arsenal running out as 3-0 winners on that occasion.
Elite Club Friendlies 09/08/25
Arsenal
Athletic Bilbao
Aymeric Laporte is back in European football with Athletic Bilbao, but the former Man City defender won't be available for selection here as he hasn't been registered for the league phase. Also unavailable for this clash are Nico Williams, Benat Prados, Unai Egiluz, Inigo Lekue and Yeray Alvarez.
Predicted lineup: Simon (GK), Areso, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche, Vesga, Jauregizar, I.Williams, Sancet, Berenguer, Sannadi
Last five results
- Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Alaves
- Real Betis 1-2 Athletci Bilbao
- Athletic Bilbao 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
- Athletic Bilbao 3-2 Sevilla
- Arsenal 3-0 Athletic Bilbao
Arsenal preview: Arteta sweating on Odegaard
Arsenal have fresh concerns about the availability of Martin Odegaard after the Norwegian playmaker went off injured with a shoulder problem at the weekend. With Man City to come at the weekend, Odegaard is unlikely to be risekd even if he is passed ift. William Saliba, Christian Norgaard, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus are also injured.
Predicted lineup: Raya (GK), White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Merino, Zubimendi, Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Last five results
- Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest
- Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal
- Arsenal 5-0 Leeds
- Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
- Arsenal 3-0 Athletic Bilbao
Player to watch: Declan Rice
Declan Rice elevated his game in the Champions League last season, and nobody is going to forget his two free-kicks against Real Madrid in a hurry. The former West Ham captain will be hoping to stamp his authority on this game from the first minute, and if he can help Arsenal win the midfield battle, then they have an excellent chance of winning the match.