Can Arsenal and Tottenham Secure Winning Starts in the Champions League?

As the Champions League kicks off this week, both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are set to embark on their European campaigns with high hopes of success. Arsenal faces Athletic Bilbao while Spurs take on Villarreal, with both clubs looking to build on their strong starts in the Premier League. Will these rivals manage to unite and deliver joy to punters with promising performances?

Last updated: 06 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Arsenal and Tottenham both face LaLiga teams in their Champions League openers.
• Arsenal has made significant summer signings, spending over £250 million.
• Totteham looks to continue their strong league form against Villarreal.
• Injuries to key Arsenal players may impact their performance in Spain.
• Paris Saint-Germain's title defence faces challenges amid injury concerns.

Arsenal's European Journey Begins in Bilbao

Arsenal's first match of the Champions League will see them travel to the picturesque San Mames Stadium in Bilbao. This venue holds a special place in the hearts of Arsenal fans, as it was here that their North London rivals Tottenham lifted the Europa League trophy last May, triumphing 1-0 over Manchester United. As Arsenal aims to make their mark in Europe, they hope to surpass their semi-final exit from the previous season, where they were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain.

Strong Start in the Premier League

The Gunners have made a commendable start to their Premier League campaign, securing nine points from four matches. However, the absence of captain Martin Ødegaard, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury, raises concerns. Other notable absentees include Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Kai Havertz. Despite these setbacks, Arsenal's squad depth and new signings should provide them with the strength to overcome Athletic Bilbao, who recently suffered a defeat against Alaves.

Key Arsenal Players to Watch

Arsenal's summer spending has been substantial, exceeding £250 million. Among the new recruits, Martin Zubimendi has already made a significant impact by scoring two goals in their recent matches. Another player to keep an eye on is Viktor Gyökeres, who has been in fine form, netting three goals in four appearances. Betting odds reflect optimism, with Gyökeres priced at 17/4 to score first against Bilbao and 6/4 to score at any time.

Tottenham's Ambition Against Villarreal

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur is looking to continue their positive momentum as they host Villarreal. Spurs recently secured a commanding 3-0 victory against West Ham, showcasing their attacking prowess. With a significantly strengthened bench compared to last season, manager Thomas Frank has assembled a squad that can compete at the highest level.

Strong Performances and Betting Odds

Key players such as Rodrigo Bentancur and Richarlison, who were on the bench during the West Ham match, can make a substantial difference when called upon. Xavi Simons is another player to watch, with odds of 15/2 to open the scoring and 29/10 to score at any point during the match against Villarreal. Tottenham's odds stand at 10/11 to secure victory, reflecting confidence in their ability to succeed in the Champions League.

PSG’s Title Defence Challenges

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) enters the tournament as the reigning champions, following a dominant performance in last year’s final against Inter Milan, where they won 5-0. However, their title defence is already facing hurdles, with injuries plaguing key players. As they aim to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since Real Madrid achieved this in 2017 and 2018, PSG's slow start to the season has raised questions about their potential for success.

The Competitive Landscape of the Champions League

In this season's Champions League, English clubs are well-represented, with Liverpool and Barcelona currently viewed as joint favourites at 6/1. Arsenal follows closely with odds of 15/2, while Manchester City sits at 12/1. Tottenham and Newcastle, both at 40/1, are seen as underdogs but have the potential to surprise. For punters, backing Bayern Munich at 12/1 each-way could prove a wise choice, given their attacking talent bolstered by new signings like Luis Diaz and Nicolas Jackson.

Golden Boot Contenders

Harry Kane, who has made a blistering start to the season with nine goals in six matches, is a strong contender for the tournament's Golden Boot. With odds of 10/1 available, backing Kane could yield profitable returns for punters looking to invest in individual performances.

Brentford's Ambitions in Domestic Cups

In domestic competitions, Brentford will look to build on their previous success against Aston Villa by knocking them out of the Carabao Cup. Brentford is priced at 19/20 to qualify for the next round, and they could form part of a treble bet alongside Nottingham Forest and Grimsby Town, both of whom are expected to win their respective matches.

What Lies Ahead for Tottenham and Arsenal?

As the Champions League season unfolds, both Arsenal and Tottenham have the chance to make significant strides in European football. Their performances in the coming weeks will not only shape their seasons but also impact the betting landscape for fans keen to support their favourite clubs. The question remains—can these North London rivals sustain their momentum and deliver success on the European stage?

FAQs

When does the Champions League start for Tottenham and Arsenal?

The Champions League begins for Tottenham and Arsenal this week, with both clubs facing LaLiga opposition in their opening matches.

What are Arsenal's chances against Athletic Bilbao?

Despite missing some key players due to injury, Arsenal's strong squad depth and recent performance suggest they have a good chance of winning against Athletic Bilbao.

Who are the key players to watch in the Champions League?

Key players include Harry Kane for Tottenham, Martin Zubimendi for Arsenal, and Xavi Simons, who could make a significant impact in their respective matches.

What are the odds for the Champions League?

As of now, Liverpool and Barcelona are joint favourites at 6/1, while Arsenal is at 15/2 and Tottenham at 40/1 to win the tournament.

How has PSG's title defence been impacted?

PSG's title defence has been challenged by injuries to key players and a slow start to the season, raising questions about their ability to retain the Champions League trophy.

As both Arsenal and Tottenham prepare for their Champions League fixtures, the excitement around their potential successes continues to grow. Will they rise to the occasion and bring joy to their supporters? #ChampionsLeague #Arsenal #Tottenham