Arsenal and Athletic Bilbao meet this Saturday at the Emirates in the final pre-season tune-up for both clubs. It’s more than just the Emirates Cup; it’s the last chance to build confidence before the real season begins. The Gunners have lost 2 straight games, falling to Tottenham and Villarreal, and questions remain over their defence and final-third sharpness. Athletic arrive with problems of their own after 5 consecutive defeats, including 2 on the same day against Liverpool, but still have dangerous attacking threats. 

For both sides, this is more than a friendly. It’s about finding momentum before the serious football returns.

1. Arsenal have won the last three Emirates Cup tournaments (2022–2024)

2. Arsenal have scored in all but one of their pre-season games this summer

3. Athletic Bilbao are winless in their last five friendlies

4. This is Athletic Bilbao’s first-ever appearance in the Emirates Cup

5. Nico Williams has scored or assisted in three of his last five club appearances

Arsenal; 

Mikel Arteta will want a sharper display after defensive lapses cost them against Villarreal. Viktor Gyokeres is settling into the attack, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard remain central to the build-up, and Leandro Trossard could return. Expect plenty of ball control but with an emphasis on faster transitions. 

Athletic Bilbao;

Ernesto Valverde’s side sticks to its Basque-only identity and brings a tight-knit squad. The Williams brothers, Inaki and Nico, will provide pace and directness, while Oihan Sancet pulls the strings in midfield. Unai Simon anchors the defence in goal. The aim will be to defend compactly and launch explosive counter-attacks.

Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba,Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Madueke

Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1): Simon; Areso, Vivian, Lekue, Berchiche; Vesga, Jauregizar; I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams; Guruzeta

1. Saka vs Berchiche: Arsenal’s winger against an experienced Spanish full-back.

2. Gyokeres’ movement: Can the Swede link with Odegaard and stretch Bilbao’s backline?

3. Nico Williams on the break: His pace is Bilbao’s biggest weapon.

4. Rice vs Vesga: Midfield power battle that could dictate tempo.