Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal | Football Previews & Free Betting Tips | 16th September 2025

Athletic Bilbao welcome Arsenal to San Mamés on 16 September 2025 for a Champions League group stage clash that pits Basque intensity against Premier League polish. Bilbao have started their La Liga campaign with grit, while Arsenal head into Europe aiming to build on last season’s domestic push.

The atmosphere in Bilbao is expected to be electric, with the locals packing out San Mamés in full voice. Arsenal will bring a confident travelling support, boosted by their unbeaten start in England.

Tactically, Bilbao lean on a 4-2-3-1 built on pressing and wide service, while Arsenal typically operate in a 4-3-3 that morphs into a 3-2-5 in attack, with heavy ball circulation and overloads in the half-spaces.

• Bilbao’s wing play: Over 40% of their attacks flow down the flanks, looking for early crosses towards Iñaki Williams or Oihan Sancet making late runs.
• Arsenal’s control game: averaging ~60% possession in the Premier League so far, they keep the ball with intent, using Rice and Zubimendi to dictate the tempo and push runners into gaps.
• Transitions: Bilbao are most dangerous when winning the ball high, while Arsenal’s back line can be exposed if their full-backs are caught forward.

Athletic Bilbao: No major fresh injuries reported. Iñaki Williams is fit and expected to lead the line, with Sancet operating behind him. Unai Simón remains first-choice goalkeeper.

Arsenal: Martin Ødegaard is doubtful, while Jurrien Timber continues his recovery but is unlikely to feature. Declan Rice and Zubimendi are central to the midfield shape, with Madueke providing service to Gyökeres up top.

Athletic Bilbao (last 10 competitive): A mixed bag with 5 wins, 3 draws, 2 defeats. They’ve averaged around 1.4 goals per game and conceded just under 1.0. Their resilience at San Mamés remains a cornerstone.

Arsenal (last 10 competitive): 7 wins, 2 draws, 1 defeat. Averaging 2.1 goals scored per game, conceding around 0.8. Defensively solid, with plenty of attacking balance across their front line.

Athletic Bilbao: 1.4
Arsenal: 2.1

Athletic Bilbao: 0.9
Arsenal: 0.8

Athletic Bilbao: 40%
Arsenal: 55%

Athletic Bilbao: 48%
Arsenal: 60%

Athletic Bilbao: 1.3
Arsenal: 2.0

Bilbao at San Mamés (last 10 home): Fierce and competitive, winning 6, drawing 2, losing 2. They’ve scored just over 1.5 per game and conceded around 0.9. The crowd makes it hostile for visitors.

Arsenal away (last 10 away): 6 wins, 3 draws, 1 defeat. Averaging 2.0 goals per game away from home, with 4 clean sheets in that stretch. Well-drilled and tough to break down on the road.

Bilbao generally create fewer clear chances than Arsenal, and their defensive xGA sits close to par. Arsenal’s attacking metrics (2.0 xG on average) suggest they should carve more opportunities in open play.

There’s no recent European history between these two sides in the last decade. The clash in Bilbao marks a rare competitive meeting, adding intrigue to how styles from La Liga and the Premier League collide under Champions League pressure.

Oihan Sancet (Athletic Bilbao): Bilbao’s creative hub, arriving late into the box and carrying goal threat from midfield.

Declan Rice (Arsenal): Arsenal’s midfield anchor, shielding the back line while recycling possession and launching attacks.

Bilbao’s intensity at San Mamés will make life awkward, but Arsenal’s depth and attacking edge should give them the upper hand. Expect a tight game where Arsenal’s quality in the final third tells late on.

Prediction: Athletic Bilbao 0–1 Arsenal

Main pick: Arsenal to win

Value bet: Under 2.5 goals — aligns with Bilbao’s stubborn defence and Arsenal’s tendency to grind out away wins in Europe.