Champions League kicks off, Arsenal face Athletic Bilbao

Author:

Adammm25

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Arsenal enter the new Champions League season with a match at Athletic Bilbao in Spain

The period without club football, which was caused by the national team break, is quickly replaced by a flurry of matches. After the return of the league competitions, the European competitions are also starting, led by the millionaire Champions League. North London Arsenal will enter the new season of the most prestigious club competition in the world in Spain, specifically at Athletic Bilbao. Both teams are doing very well in their home leagues, and we should see some solid football at the Estadio San Mamés on Tuesday night. The proof is their recent clash, which took place during the summer training at the beginning of this August. Back then, the Gunners won comfortably 3-0. This time, however, it will be a completely different match, with much more at stake. Although not much can be compared between a friendly and a Champions League match, some lessons can be drawn from the last encounter. So now let's move on together to what there is to know before the game.

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Form

As I hinted at in the introduction, both teams are doing well in their home competitions so far. Arsenal and Biblabo have the same record of three wins and one defeat from four matches. The North London team is also in a good position thanks to a solid record (9:1). second in the English Premier League. Athletic Bilbao is on it in the Spanish LaLiga a hair worse, namely third place. At least for now. Right now, as I write these lines, the match between Espanyol and Mallorca has kicked off. The former can send Bilbao down one more position in the table if it wins. However, it won't change Biblbaa's form.

Arsenal

I've broken down Arsenal's form ahead of the national break in detail in last blogwhich focused on the Arsenal v Nottingham league match. I don't want to repeat myself, so this time I'll just summarise the performance of my charges Mikel Arteta's in the last league game. Gunners after the national break welcomed last season's surprise of the season, Nottingham Forest. Arsenal strolled to a convincing 3-0 victory at Emirates Stadium. From my point of view, the result fits the game. The home side dominated the game throughout, were more dangerous and deservedly came away with three points. With the exception of perhaps one, dare I say it, accidental action, after which the crossbar rang behind David Raya, Nottingham had nothing at all. On the other hand, the Arsenal players were showing their appetite and wellbeing, and so there were some nice actions and goals. If Arsenal pick up where they left off, we have a lot to look forward to!

Athletic Bilbao

It's been said here before, but since I don't have that much experience in the Spanish league, I have to at least bounce off the numbers. In terms of points gained Bilbao is on the same point as Arsenal. Nine points out of a possible twelve. The only difference is that Bilbao lost points for the first time after the national break. That means the loss came in the last competitive game. The surprising home defeat to Alavés certainly won't boost Bilbao's confidence ahead of the Champions League match against Arsenal. On the other hand, there is probably no point in making a big drama out of one defeat. Athletic Bilbao has long been one of the top teams in the Spanish LaLigawhich speaks for itself.

So I don't owe you the squad's track record experienced manager Ernesto Valverde...here they are. In the first round Bilbao did well in after a fierce shootout with Sevilla and won 3:2. This was followed by the tightest possible A 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano. In the last game before the national break Athletic Bilbao won 2:1 at Betis. After the break and the return of league football came the first defeat of the season. Bilbao surprisingly at home was not enough for Alavés, to whom it lost 0:1.

Team and expected line-up

I usually have a pretty good idea of who might start in the starting lineup, but I'm not sure of almost anything this time.On the one hand, Arsenal are not expecting an easy game in Bilbao, on the other hand, the Gunners have a busy calendar. On top of that, Arsenal and Manchester City are scheduled to play a league clash this weekend. Mikel Arteta is definitely planning to save some players, but who will be in the final nomination and how he will assemble the starting eleven on Tuesday night remains a question.

The only thing the Spanish manager confirmed before the trip to Spain were the absences. The squad will be missing the long-term injured Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka. There should not even be Ben White and Martin Ødegaard.

David Raya

Is Kepa's debut coming up? Yes, it's coming. Will it be on Tuesday? I don't think so. David Raya showed everyone again this weekend why he wears number one on his jersey. A mainstay between the three poles that the Spanish manager can rely on. The freshly 30-year-old Spaniard will only miss the Arsenal goal (assuming he is fit) when Mikel Arteta wants to give him time off.

Jurriën Timber

In the absence of Ben White, the most likely option for the right side of the defense is Jurriën Timber. But there's one thing. The Dutch footballer in particular deserves some extra rest. With the game against Manchester City coming up, even more so. So what are the options? Realistically, there is one in the current situation, Cristhian Mosquera. However, in my opinion, the Spanish defender will start at full-back and move to the right edge of defence during the second half. I could be wrong, but I think Mikel Arteta will also want to get William Saliba into the game to get match fitness after his injury.

Cristhian Mosquera

Who knew before the season started that Cristhian Mosquera will he have played that many minutes after four rounds in the Premier League? Watching his performances, so I'm not surprised why Mikel Arteta decided to acquire his compatriot. His style of play reminds me of William Saliba to some extent, and Gabriel at other times. Sure, it may seem like a bold statement and Mosquera has a lot more to show, but my first impressions of his performance are nothing but positive. Against Bilbao I expect him in the starting lineup at stopper, with the possibility that he will move to right fullback as the game progresses. However, it's also possible that William Saliba will start at stopper, while Cristhian Mosquera will start on the right flank of the defence and Jurriën Timber will come in during the game. There are really many options.

Piero Hincapié

Will we see the Ecuadorian footballer make his Arsenal debut at Estadio San Mamés? I'm convinced that, yes.. Gabriel should be given time off during the busy schedule and Piero Hincapié he should start jumping in at the same time to get used to what it's like to play for Arsenal as quickly as possible.. I see the match against Athletic Bilbao as an ideal opportunity also in the fact that Hincapie is not an inexperienced youngster. Despite his relatively young football age, he has already done a lot on the green turf.

Myles Lewis-Skelly

Last season's comet, Myles Lewis-Skelly so far in the new season doesn't get as much space on the fieldas it was last year. The reason is the top performance of his Italian teammate Riccardo Calafiori. But that doesn't diminish the quality of the England international. Still only eighteen years old, the Englishman has undeniable qualities and it is almost certain that we will see him on the pitch often during the season. I expect Lewis-Skelly to be part of the starting eleven in the first Champions League game.

Mikel Merino

Just like other players on whom Mikel Arteta is building his lineup this year, Martín Zubimendi needs some rest. His compatriot and national teammate seems to be the ideal replacement. Mikel Merinowho also returned from the national team reunion in shooting form. In my opinion, the Spanish all-rounder will be on the pitch from the first minute. Another option is the healed Christian Nørgaard, who in my opinion will also take the field, but I don't think it will be from the first minute.

Declan Rice

If Declan Rice He didn't start on the substitutes' bench against Nottingham at the weekend, he would be one of my first choices to claim he gets a bye in the first Champions League game. However, the England international played roughly 20 minutes at the weekend, and so I would be very surprised if he is missing in the starting line-up against Athletic Bilbao. Assuming the lineup looks exactly as I've described it here, Declan Rice even runs onto the field with the captain's armband.

Ethan Nwaneri

Arsenal's captain and offensive brain Martin Ødegaard has unfortunately recovered from his shoulder injury from the match against Leeds at the weekend and will therefore miss the start of the Champions League. The most natural options for the position of the so-called ten are Ethan Nwaneri and Eberechi Eze. I can't help feeling that it is the young Ethan Nwaneri who will get the nod this time. The reason? The oft-mentioned Sunday Premier League game against Manchester City, where Mikel Arteta will want to have his biggest stars in TOP form. Speaking of Eze, I believe he will make his Champions League debut against Bilbao. Only it won't be from the first minute.

Noni Madueke

Noni Madueke his performance against Nottingham shut up about all the critics. The England international was undoubtedly the most active and dangerous player on the pitch. Although I don't expect Madueke to play the whole game, I would be very surprised if the Spanish manager puts him on the substitutes bench with his form. Not to mention that Arteta prefers his wingers to play through his leg and with Saka absent, there aren't that many options. On the right wing, he could step in Ethan Nwaneri, but I expect him to take over the role of playmaker in place of injured captain Martin Ødegaard. Another option is 15-year-old megatalent Max Dowman. But for him, the question is whether it's a bit early to start in such a game.

Leandro Trossard

Leandro Trossard hasn't got much space on the pitch so far this season. The game against Bilbao is, in my opinion, the perfect opportunity to change that. Against Nottingham, he came on for the last quarter of an hour and managed to score an assist. Mikel Arteta should rotate the lineup during the more challenging periods of the season, and now that he finally has the quality even "on the bench" is the moment. Trossard is an experienced player who still has a lot to offer the team, which is why I think we'll see him in the starting lineup on Tuesday.

Viktor Gyökeres

When Viktor Gyökeres gets the ball in the right space, he's unstoppable. Mikel Arteta himself said something similar about him a few weeks ago and the Swedish striker is slowly but surely starting to confirm his words. The last league game is a clear proof of that. The more he gets used to his new teammates (and they to him), the more effective he will be. Viktor Gyökeres is number one on the tip of the attackwhether it's Premier League or Champions League matches. Theoretically, Mikel Merino could start at number nine, but I personally think that the Swedish international will start from the beginning and leave the pitch in case of a favourable match to save his strength for the match against Manchester City.

Substitutes

Because this time you really I'm not sure about the starting lineup, so logically I'm not sure about the bench. However, if I count on the starting eleven being as I wrote, we should see the following players on the substitutes' bench. As a goalkeeper we will have Kepa Arrizabalaga. It's possible that a third goalkeeper could be added to the substitutes' bench. Tommy Setford. The defenders will be ready to hit the field William Saliba, Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori. The midfielders should not be missing Martín Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard. Mikel Arteta should also have some interesting names at his disposal to boost the offensive line, including Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Martinelli and Max Dowman.

About the opponent

When you say Athletic Bilbao, you think most football fans will think of the Williams brothers. A more prominent name in the contemporary world of football is younger brother Nico Williamswho is currently out of action due to injury. Mikel Arteta was also reportedly keen on the services of the young Spanish international at the time, but his transfer to the Emirates Stadium was never close. A prominent face at Blighty, however, eight years on. older brother of Iñaki Williamswho, unlike his brother, represents Ghana. Of course, Athletic Bilbao does not stand on just two names. Players who deserve special mention include goalkeeper Unai Simón. A prominent figure of the club is also the manager Ernesto Valverde. You won't find any other famous or big names in Athletic's squad. Perhaps that is the strength of the club, which has long been at the top of the Spanish league. Bilbao is adorned with a team-based approach and a sophisticated game system.

Match

According to bookmakers, Arsenal London is the favourite. This is despite the fact that it will be played in Bilbao. Taking into account key factors such as player quality, team chemistry, experience or squad width all play for Arsenal. Simply put, Arsenal will deservedly go into the game as favourites, while Bilbao will try to take advantage of the home environment and score from an underdog position.

Looking at the stats of the above-mentioned match from the summer training, it is quite obvious, that Arsenal had the upper hand in the match. There's probably no point in listing all the ways in which Mikel Arteta's charges were better in the match. In everything important and in the most important, in scoring goals. A convincing performance and a 3-0 result in Arsenal's favour. Will a similar result be repeated on Tuesday night in Spain? Personally, I'd stay a little bit more grounded, but at the same time I believe Arsenal footballers will dominate the game.

In the first game of the group stage, neither team will want to make a mistake, so I expect the start of the match will be more cautious from both sides. As time goes on, however, Arsenal's immense quality should become apparent, both in their play and in their final score. I believe the Gunners will enter the new Champions League season with a win. I predict Arsenal to win 2:0.

Next match

Arsenal's busy schedule is far from over with the Champions League match. This weekend, the Gunners will welcome one of their biggest rivals for the title to the Emirates Stadium, Manchester City. The weekend, which will be full of interesting matches in the Premier League, will be finished by the clash between Arsenal and Cityzens. The biggest game of the 5th round of the Premier League is on the schedule Sunday 21 September 2025 from 17:30 (CET).

See you next time, I'll look forward to it!

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