Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal Preview, Betting Odds and Predictions – 16/09/2025

Arsenal’s Champions League campaign begins on Tuesday when they take on Spanish side Athletic Bilbao. After last season’s impresssive campaign, the belief is growing that Arsenal are genuine contenders to finally lift the Champions League under Mikel Arteta. After ending their seven-year absence from the tournament, the Gunners reached the quarter-finals in 2024 and the semi-finals in 2025.

As a result, Arsenal will enter the competition with confidence. The Guners have started strongly in the Premier League, taking nine points from their first four matches. On the other hand, Athletic Bilbao are making only their third appearance in the Champions League since 1992. Athletic have also started their La Liga season strongly with nine points from four games.

🇪🇺 It’s almost time to hear the @ChampionsLeague anthem at The Cathedral!

🆚 @Arsenal
🗓️ Tuesday, September 16
🕡 18:45 CEST

🌟 The big nights are back!#AthleticArsenal #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/nogFkQjvO9
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) September 14, 2025

Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal Best Bets

Bets	Moneyline	Moneyline
Full Time Result	Athletic Bilbao: +290, Arsenal: -110	Draw: +240
Draw No Bet	Athletic Bilbao: +175	Arsenal: -250
Total Goals	Over 2.5: -102	Under 2.5: -135
Athletic Bilbao to Win and Both Teams to Score	Yes: +625	No: +525
Arsenal to Win and Both Teams to Score	Yes: +300	No: +210

(Odds via BetMGM)

Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal Preview

Athletic Bilbao’s start to the La Liga campaign highlighted their potential, with three straight wins against Sevilla, Rayo Vallecano and Real Betis. But the international break disrupted their rhythm as they stumbled to a shock 1-0 home defeat to Alaves. Ernesto Valverde’s side will be motivated to bounce back and make their mark in Europe’s top competition.

Notably, this will be the first competitive meeting between Arsenal and Athletic Bilbao. The two teams did face each other in this summer’s Emirates Cup where Arteta’s Arsenal coasted to a 3-0 win over Athletic in London. While Tuesday’s clash is likely to be far more competitive, Arsenal’s recent European pedigree will make them firm favourites here.

Also Read: Alexis Max Allister Injury Update: What Did Liverpool Boss Arne Slot Say?

Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal Over/Under Predictions

Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal Over 2.5 Goals @ -140 as per BetMGM

A low-scoring contest could be on the cards when Athletic Bilbao host Arsenal, which makes under 2.5 goals @ -135 an appealing play. Arsenal have struggled to break down disciplined sides such as Manchester United (1-0 win) and Liverpool (1-0 loss). Their attack has looked ruthless against weaker opposition, but when facing organized defenses, the Gunners’ games have often produced fewer chances.

Also Read: Martin Odegaard Injury Update: What Happened to the Gunners Captain during Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest Clash?

Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, are without their talisman Nico Williams due to an adductor injury, leaving their frontline lacking its usual spark. Their recent fixtures also point toward low-scoring affairs, with a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano and a 1-0 loss to Alaves underlining their tendency to grind out narrow results. As a result, this is likely to be a game with limited scoring opportunities.

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Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal Player Picks

Viktor Gyokeres to score anytime @ +155 as per BetMGM:

After a slow start to the campaign, Viktor Gyokeres has hit his stride, netting three goals in his last four matches. The Swedish striker looks increasingly confident and sharp in front of goal, making him a strong candidate to get on the scoresheet once again.

Also Read: Lamine Yamal Injury Update: What Happened and How Many Games Will He Miss?

Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal Final Scoreline Prediction

Even with key players missing – Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Kai Havertz – Arsenal barely broke sweat in a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend. Despite being without creative stars, Mikel Arteta’s side still boast plenty of attacking quality. The Gunners look well-positioned to open their Champions League campaign with a professional and clinical away victory.

Final Prediction: Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Bettors can explore a variety of betting options on BetMGM, including full-time results, over/under goals, and player props for this exciting clash.

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.