Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal Predictions

• Athletic Bilbao fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to Deportivo Alaves on Saturday
• Arsenal have conceded only once across their first four league games
• The Gunners won six of eight games at this stage of the Champions League last season
• Athletic lost 7-1 on aggregate to Man United in May

Arsenal return as contenders

Arsenal return to Champions League action on Tuesday night priced among the favourites in the outright betting, and for good reason. Injuries dented the Gunners’ chances in last season’s semi-final clash with PSG, but their summer spending has set them up for another deep run in this competition.

Mikel Arteta’s side have cover for every position after some heavy spending this summer. Their huge outlay on difference-makers in the final third hasn’t impacted them at the other end of the pitch, as they’ve conceded just once across their first four Premier League games this season.

Their solid foundations make them a side to fear in Europe. Of all the six Premier League entrants in this season’s Champions League, Arsenal arguably are the best suited for navigating difficult away trips, like Tuesday’s visit to Bilbao.

Williams’ absence is key for Athletic

Athletic have been progressing year-on-year, following their 2024 Spanish Cup success with a deep Europa League run and a top four finish last term. This year, the Basque outfit have won three of their first four league games.

However, Athletic fell to a 1-0 home defeat at Deportivo Alaves on Saturday. They dominated the game, but they struggled to create clear-cut chances without Nico Williams in their side.

The Euro 2024 standout is ruled out for another couple of weeks, leaving Athletic looking blunt going into this key clash.

Gunners’ talent can edge cagey clash

Arsenal won six of their eight League Phase games last season, conceding only three goals. While they failed to score in visits to Inter Milan and Atalanta, the attacking reinforcements they’ve signed this summer should improve them in the final third.

Viktor Gyokeres scored six goals in eight games for Sporting in last season’s Champions League, while he continued his bright start with Arsenal by scoring in Saturday’s win over Nottingham Forest.

The hosts saw their European run ended by a 3-0 home defeat to Manchester United in May, losing 7-1 on aggregate. With star man Williams ruled out, back Arsenal to prove too strong at San Mames.