Athletic Club v Arsenal Tuesday 16th September 1745 KO

USArsenal

Aren't they commonly called either (outside of Spain)? I've always heard of them as Bilbao up until the last couple seasons.

Truthfully, we should not be fearing this team (with or without Nico). They won 3 at the start of the season, but not against top tier teams, not to mention we spanked them a few weeks ago in pre-season, before our team had even had time to gel at all.

RocktheCasbah

USArsenal no, they're not and never have been called Athletico Bilbao.

Sicario2

When I was growing up they were always called Bilbao!

RocktheCasbah

Sicario2 Also, yes United beat them 3-0 but Athletic were down to ten men for quite a long time in that match. It's Athletic's first game in the Champions League, so they'll be bang up for it and the San Mames will be rocking. I think we'll win, but I'd be wary of taking them too lightly and, therefore, making too many changes.

USArsenal

RocktheCasbah no, they're not and never have been called Athletico Bilbao.

Well, i meant the Bilbao part, not "Athletico".. I know they are "Athletic"...

flobaba

Watched the Alaves game and Athletic Club of Bilbao did not look very impressive at all.

Their front line is toothless without the younger Williams, and the rest of the team, compared to ours is veritably mid. On the other hand it's the first time in the CL in our colors for many of our new recruits. I expect us to do em. Dominate as much as we did during preseason. Maybe more. 3-0 to the Arsenal.

RocktheCasbah

USArsenal well, that's a relief! 😁

But no, they're Athletic Club. It's in black and white on the dot com.

Sicario2

RocktheCasbah they must have changed their name in last 10 years or so. Back in the day they always had Bilbao in their name

Bring Back Kerrea Gilbert

Sicario2 yep, for sure. I remember Etxeberria being their star player in the early 2000s. I used to sign him on CM!

USArsenal

Nah, they have always been Athletic Club, but they are commonly known as Athletic Bilbao, otherwise its a generic sounding name ("Athletic Club" sounds like it could be a team playing in just about any league. At least "Bilbao" tells most people where they actually are). I've always called them Bilbao also, but i know RtC has a great affinity with the club, so he's protective of them. haha. 😃

QuincyAbeyie

USArsenal they were officially named Atletico Bilbao from 1941 to 1972. 😉

And yeah, they're widely recognized as Athletic Bilbao. If you go looking for a league table it'll probably say that.

Qwiss

RocktheCasbah you cheering for a draw here?

RocktheCasbah

Qwiss ¡qué no, hombre!

lorddulaarsenal

I call ‘em Bilbz.

Don Pacifico

Bilbao Baggins

Qwiss

Letti Bilbags

RocktheCasbah

QuincyAbeyie they were officially named Atletico Bilbao from 1941 to 1972. 😉

Because of General Franco.

QuincyAbeyie

RocktheCasbah yes.

invisibleman18

Weird kickoff time for a midweek CL game but like it personally with my time difference. Means being able to watch the whole game before leaving for work instead of having to rush out for a train at half time.

banduan

I fully expect Mikel to play his strongest 11 here but he shouldn't.

HomeSteak

banduan I think he should, 2-3 changes should be ok but no more, Rice coming in, MLS to play, Califiori cannot play that much - we need to be careful with his minutes. Do what we did last season, go strong and finish this thing as soon as possible and then rest them(he did not rest them last season).

They are a good team, had a good season last year and started well this year, 3 wins in 4, but they lost at home this weekend against Alavez.