Arsenal kick off their Champions League campaign tonight in Spain against Athletic Club — and they’re already carrying heavyweight expectations.
Athletic manager Ernesto Valverde has gone out of his way to praise Mikel Arteta, branding him “surely one of the best managers in the world” and even tipping the Gunners as “one of the favourites to win” this season.
Arteta’s squad depth is frightening. A 3–0 win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend saw six regular starters left sitting on the bench — a sign of just how sharp Arsenal’s summer recruitment has been. Martin Zubimendi, snapped up from Real Sociedad, has settled instantly, earning a place in Troy Deeney’s team of the week.
Valverde, though, isn’t under any illusions. Athletic’s Europa League semi-final run last season was proof they can mix it with big names, but the Champions League is another level. His side come into this clash on shaky form — two straight defeats, nine goals shipped in three games — while Arsenal arrive looking like a side ready to go deep in Europe.
The stage: San Mamés. The stakes: Arsenal proving they’re not just contenders, but genuine favourites.
TRNDR Preview: Athletic Club vs Arsenal
Kick-off: 8pm (UK), San Mamés, Bilbao
Arsenal return to the Champions League looking like genuine contenders. Mikel Arteta’s side were ruthless in their 3–0 win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend, with summer recruit Martin Zubimendi already pulling strings in midfield. Athletic, meanwhile, arrive on a poor run — two defeats on the bounce and nine goals conceded in their last three.
Ernesto Valverde has praised Arsenal as “one of the favourites to win” the whole tournament, but he knows his Basque side will need something special to contain the Gunners’ intensity.
Predictions
🔴 Arsenal to Win & Over 2.5 Goals – 6/5
Arsenal’s attack looks primed to punish a leaky Athletic defence. Three goals past Forest at the weekend suggests they can hit the ground running in Europe.
⚽ Martin Ødegaard Anytime Scorer – 11/4
The captain thrives on the big stage, and with Zubimendi behind him, Ødegaard will get chances to break forward and test the keeper.
🟨 Over 4.5 Cards – 10/11
San Mamés is hostile, and Athletic will look to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm. A scrappy, card-heavy contest feels likely.
TRNDR Verdict
Arsenal should make a statement here. Athletic are dangerous at home, but Arteta’s men have the quality and depth to overpower them if they stay sharp.
Predicted Score: Athletic 1–3 Arsenal
⚠️ Odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
