Athletic Bilbao v Arsenal: Confirmed line-ups as Declan Rice returns for Gunners
Arsenal open their Champions League campaign against Athletic Bilbao tonight, looking to build on their solid start to the season.
The Gunners have won three of their opening four Premier League games with the only blemish being the 1-0 defeat at champions Liverpool before the international break.
Mikel Arteta has overseen a summer recruitment drive that means Arsenal are better equipped to challenge both domestically and in Europe, a point proven by the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday with the goals coming from new signings Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres.
A trip to San Mames is not an easy assignment first up, however.
Athletic reached the semi-finals of the Europa League last season and Ernesto Valverde’s side will fancy their chances of progressing through to the knockout stages.
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Athletic Club vs Arsenal Betting Offers – Best UCL Free Bets, Tips & Predictions
Athletic Bilbao Team News
Valverde makes four changes to the team that lost at home to Alaves at the weekend.
Full-backs Andoni Gorosabel and Adama Boiro come in, as does Mikel Vesga in midfield.
Nico Williams is missing but his elder brother Iniko Williams will operate in a three alongside Robert Navarro behind Alex Berenguer.
Athletic: Unai Simon; Gorosabel, Vivian, Paredes, Adama; Vesga, Jauregizar, Williams, Sancet, Navarro; Berenguer
Arsenal Team News
Arteta makes just the one change to the side that beat Forest with Declan Rice returning in midfield.
The England international takes the place of Martin Odegaard who had to come off at the weekend after again damaging his troublesome shoulder.
The new-look front three of Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Gyokeres keep their places.
Arsenal: Raya: Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Merino; Madueke, Eze, Gyokeres
How to watch Athletic Club v Arsenal: Live stream, TV channel
The match kicks off at 17:45 BST (12:45 ET / 09:45 PT) on Tuesday and is being shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 1.
TNT Sports costs £29.99 a month through discovery+, which includes Eurosport and entertainment and is available on a vast range of devices including smart TVs and gaming consoles.