Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League match.
Athletic Bilbao
Before the international break, Athletic Bilbao impressed with their consistency through a demanding Spanish LaLiga start. In that run, the team handled Sevilla (3:2), Rayo Vallecano (1:0) and Real Betis (2:1), while allowing just 2.11 xGA (third-best over that stretch). On Saturday, the team failed to get past Deportivo Alavés (0:1) despite a clear edge in chance creation (1.07-0.08 in xG). It appears that even with Iñaki Williams and Nico Williams linking up, the squad still lacks a clinical finisher up top.
Arsenal
Arsenal have overhauled their game model since the English Premier League kicked off. Across the first four rounds, the team conceded only once and allowed just 2.31 xGA. Against Nottingham Forest (3:0), the team performed confidently without William Saliba — he was ably replaced by Yerson Mosquera. It is clear that without the injured Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal’s chance creation will dip — new arrivals Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Eberechi Eze are still finding balance together.
Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal Prediction
The home crowd in Bilbao, which has long awaited a return to the Champions League, will aid Athletic Bilbao. Arsenal will play in a low block and restrict the hosts’ clear openings, but injuries in attack will curb the visitors’ potential.
