TIPS - Athletic Bilbao VS Arsenal

[(Athletic Bilbao) Strength]:
1. Athletic Bilbao have the home advantage this time and are determined to seize the opportunity and give their all, showing strong fighting spirit.
2. Athletic Bilbao have shown strong competitiveness at home, winning six, drawing one, and losing three in their last ten competitive home matches, with a win rate of 60%.
3. In last season's Europa League, Athletic Bilbao were particularly strong at home, winning six and losing only one of their seven competitive matches, with the sole defeat coming against Manchester United, highlighting their significant home advantage.

[(Athletic Bilbao) Weakness]:
1. Athletic Bilbao's starting winger Nico Williams is expected to be sidelined for six weeks due to an adductor muscle injury. His absence will significantly impact the team's wing penetration and creativity.
2. Athletic Bilbao suffered a surprising 1-0 home defeat to Deportivo Alaves in their last league match, marking their first loss of the new season and ending their previous three-match winning streak, which has dealt a blow to their morale.
3. In their last five matches, Athletic Bilbao have scored six goals and conceded five, showing an imbalance in both offensive and defensive performance.
4. The two teams met in a Cup match in August this year, with Athletic Bilbao suffering a 3-0 defeat, putting them at a historical disadvantage.

[(Arsenal F.C.) Strength]:
1. Arsenal F.C. are playing away but are also highly motivated to secure an opening victory and will go all out in this match.
2. Arsenal F.C.'s summer signing from Sporting CP, Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, quickly found his form after a brief slow start. This season, Viktor Gyokeres has started all four league matches for Arsenal F.C., scoring three goals. In the last league match against Nottingham Forest, he scored again, continuing his excellent performance and strongly silencing critics.
3. Arsenal F.C.'s new midfield signing, Spanish international Martin Zubimendi, who joined from Real Sociedad this summer, faced some criticism early in the season for not adapting to the Premier League's pace and physicality. However, as the matches progressed, Martin Zubimendi has found his rhythm. In the last match against Nottingham Forest, he scored two goals, including a stunning long-range strike that opened the scoring. His excellent form is undoubtedly a major boost to Arsenal F.C.'s midfield strength.
4. Arsenal F.C. defeated Nottingham Forest 3-0 at home in their last league match. In the new season, they have won three and lost one of their four league matches, with the only loss being a narrow 1-0 defeat to defending champions Liverpool, which is understandable. The team's overall form is quite good.
5. Arsenal F.C. also have strong competitiveness away from home, winning five, drawing three, and losing two of their last ten competitive away matches, including impressive results such as victories over Real Madrid and draws against Liverpool.
6. Arsenal F.C. have demonstrated top-level performance in both offense and defense this season. Offensively, the team scored nine goals in four league matches, averaging 2.25 goals per game, failing to score only against Liverpool. Their attacking output is stable and has shown increased explosiveness. Defensively, they have been equally outstanding, conceding only one goal in four matches, with a solid defensive line maintaining their consistently high standards.

[Tips]:
Athletic Bilbao lost 1-0 to Deportivo Alaves in their last match, suffering their first defeat of the new season, which has dealt a significant blow to their morale.

Playing at home, Athletic Bilbao still need to go all out to secure an opening victory, showing strong determination.

On the other hand, Arsenal F.C. won 3-0 against Nottingham Forest in their last league match, securing three wins in their last four games, making a solid start to the season.

Moreover, Arsenal F.C. convincingly defeated Athletic Bilbao in a Cup match in August, giving them a strong psychological advantage.

Considering the data support, Arsenal F.C. are favored to win.

[Recommended]:
Athletic Bilbao (+0.5)