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Predicted Arsenal line-up against Athletic Club

By on September 16, 2025

David Raya Arsenal

Following a comfortable 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, Arsenal will kick-start their Champions League campaign against Athletic Club at San Mamés Stadium tonight.

The Gunners have had an excellent start in the English top flight this season, accumulating nine points from four games. They only lost to title rival Liverpool courtesy of Dominik Szoboszlai’s outrageous winner from a free kick.

On the other hand, Athletic Club won the first three games in La Liga but will be coming into this game off the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Deportivo Alavés.

Team news

Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are on the long-term injury list; as a result, they aren’t in contention to feature in this game. Moreover, Bukayo Saka hasn’t featured in the last two games and didn’t go to the England national team due to a hamstring problem; he is not ready to be involved tonight.

William Saliba remained sidelined against Forest because of an ankle problem that he sustained against Liverpool last month. So, it remains to be seen whether he can be involved in this match.

Christian Norgaard hasn’t been named in the matchday squad in any of the four Premier League games, but he might finally be ready to play for his new team tonight.

Ben White has been out since starting against Manchester United. He was among the substitutes in the last game, but Mikel Arteta has said that the Englishman isn’t ready to play yet.

Martin Odegaard picked up a shoulder problem last weekend and was taken off in the first half. He hasn’t travelled with the squad for this game due to the injury.

Predicted line-up

Mikel Arteta is expected to continue with David Raya in goal, with Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhaes set to continue in the centre-back position. So, William Saliba might not feature in this game to recover properly before next weekend’s crucial game in the Premier League against Manchester City.

Jurrien Timber is set to keep hold of his place in the right-back position, while Piero Hincapié should make his debut for his new club and start at left-back.

Declan Rice was among the substitutes last time but should return to the starting line-up tonight. Martin Zubimendi is expected to continue having scored a brace vs Forest, while Ethan Nwaneri might be in the CAM role for Arsenal.

Noni Madueke is set to be on the right flank, while Leandro Trossard could be on the opposite side. Viktor Gyokeres should continue in the centre-forward role for the visitors; in that case, Gabriel Martinelli may feature off the bench.

Expected Arsenal line-up vs Athletic Club:

Raya; Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Hincapié; Rice, Zubimendi, Nwaneri; Madueke, Gyokeres, Trossard

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