Predicted Arsenal line-up vs Athletic Bilbao, Saliba returns in four changes

Arsenal take on Athletic Bilbao in their Champions League curtain-raiser at San Mames.

The Gunners picked up a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday.

They will be eyeing back-to-back wins ahead of Sunday’s league encounter against Manchester City.

We anticipate at least four changes from the weekend’s triumph over the Tricky Trees.

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted Line-up:

David Raya is an undisputed starter in goal for the Premier League and Champions League games. He has kept three clean sheets this term and will continue between the sticks.

There could be a couple of changes in the backline. William Saliba has fully recovered from a twisted ankle and should replace Cristhian Mosquera in central defence.



The Frenchman will partner Gabriel Magalhaes. Jurrien Timber is poised to start at right-back, but there could be a change on the opposite end with Riccardo Calafiori getting a breather.

Given Calafiori’s fitness issues last season, manager Mikel Arteta should make a sensible decision by reinstating Myles Lewis-Skelly in the left-back position against Ernesto Valverde’s side.

In midfield, Martin Zubimendi is a nailed-on starter in the number six role.

Mikel Merino should make way for Declan Rice to operate from the number eight position. With Martin Odegaard injured, there will be an enforced change for the third midfield slot.

Ethan Nwaneri had a decent outing off the bench against Forest without much of an influence in the final third. Arteta could contemplate starting Eberechi Eze centrally this evening.

Eze is most comfortable as an attacking midfielder. This could pave the way for Gabriel Martinelli to start on the left wing.

The Brazilian bagged an assist in the 3-0 friendly win over Athletic last month. His pace could be used to counter-attack.

Noni Madueke is guaranteed to continue on the right wing on the back of a standout performance at the weekend.

Madueke created five chances, completed five dribbles and won 10 duels. He will get the nod with Bukayo Saka still injured.

Viktor Gyokeres has three goals at the Emirates Stadium this season and will be eyeing his first away from home for the Gunners.

How Arsenal could line up v Athletic