The 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League season kicks off tonight with Arsenal facing Athletic Club at the iconic San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain. This opening match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams bringing unpredictability and ambition to the European stage.

Arsenal's Team News and Injury Concerns

Arsenal's manager has provided an update on the squad's fitness, revealing significant injury setbacks. Captain Martin Ødegaard is sidelined with a shoulder injury sustained over the weekend, while key players Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and, surprisingly, Ben White are also unavailable. These absences weaken Arsenal’s creativity and defensive solidity, placing a heavy burden on the squad's depth.

With Ødegaard out, the creative midfield responsibilities are likely to fall on young star Ethan Nwaneri. However, given the manager’s cautious approach in previous away games, he may opt for a more conservative midfield setup, similar to the one deployed against Liverpool recently. With a crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City looming this weekend, the manager might prioritize stability to avoid further injuries.

Tactical Setup and Key Players

Expect Arsenal to field a robust midfield trio of Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino to ensure defensive solidity. This setup, while lacking flair, provides a strong foundation to counter Athletic Club’s high-energy pressing style. Up front, Gabriel Martinelli is likely to start on the left, with Noni Madueke on the right, stretching the opposition defense. The central striker role, likely filled by Gyokeres, will be crucial in converting limited chances.

Defensively, Mosquera is expected to step in for the absent Ben White, potentially at right-back or center-back. Substitutes like Eberechi Eze and Jurrien Timber could prove pivotal, with Eze’s flair and Timber’s versatility offering options to shift the game’s momentum late on. The manager may look to tire out Athletic Club before introducing these game-changers from the bench.

Athletic Club’s Form and Threat

Athletic Club enters the match on the back of a disappointing loss to Alaves, which ended their run of three consecutive victories. Despite this setback, their enthusiasm for competing in the Champions League remains undimmed. Playing at home, backed by the passionate San Mamés crowd, Athletic Club will likely start aggressively, led by dynamic forwards like Iñaki Williams and Gorka Guruzeta. Arsenal’s cautious approach could invite early pressure, but their superior bench strength may prove decisive.

Match Prediction

This promises to be a tightly contested match, with Athletic Club’s home advantage and high energy pitted against Arsenal’s tactical discipline and attacking quality. While the Gunners face challenges due to injuries, their depth and quality substitutes, such as Eze and Timber, give them an edge. Arsenal’s ability to manage the game and capitalize on late opportunities could lead to a narrow victory, likely by a scoreline of 1-0 or 2-1.

Tonight’s clash in the Basque region is set to be a fascinating battle, but Arsenal’s stronger bench and attacking personnel should see them emerge victorious in this Champions League opener.