UEFA Champions League 25/26: Athletic Club vs Arsenal Match Preview & Lineups
Athletic Club vs Arsenal live
🔍 Match Preview
Fixture: Athletic Club vs Arsenal
Competition: UEFA Champions League 2025/26 — Group Stage
Date & Kick-off: Tuesday, 16 September 2025 — San Mamés, Bilbao
What’s at Stake
Athletic Club returns to Champions League action at San Mamés, a stadium famous for its atmosphere. They’ll aim to make life difficult for Arsenal, especially with their pressing and physical intensity.
Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, are pushing for dominance in both the Premier League and Europe. They arrive unbeaten this season, with a fluid attack and a solid defensive unit. This will be a real test of their credentials against a well-drilled Spanish side.
⚽ Team News & Updates
Athletic Club:
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Iñaki Williams is expected to lead the line with his pace on the counter.
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Oihan Sancet in midfield remains crucial for creativity.
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No major injury concerns, though squad rotation is possible.
Arsenal:
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Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus are fit and expected to start.
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Declan Rice will anchor midfield alongside Martin Ødegaard.
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Jurrien Timber is still recovering and unlikely to feature.
🧰 Predicted Lineups
Athletic Club (4-2-3-1):
GK: Unai Simón
DEF: Óscar de Marcos, Yeray Álvarez, Dani Vivian, Yuri Berchiche
MID: Ander Herrera, Mikel Vesga
AM: Nico Williams, Oihan Sancet, Álex Berenguer
ST: Iñaki Williams
Arsenal (4-3-3):
GK: David Raya
DEF: Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Oleksandr Zinchenko
MID: Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz
FW: Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli
📊 Key Stats
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Athletic Club have won 5 of their last 6 home European matches.
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Arsenal are unbeaten in all competitions this season, averaging 2+ goals per game.
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The Williams brothers (Nico & Iñaki) are involved in 60% of Athletic’s goals this season.
🎯 Prediction
Athletic’s intensity at San Mamés will make this a tricky tie, but Arsenal’s attacking quality and midfield control should see them through.
Predicted Score: Athletic Club 1-2 Arsenal
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