Arsenal the favorites in the Champions League? Not a bad call, perhaps, and one echoed by Athletic manager Ernesto Valverde in front of Tuesday's group stage opener at the San Mames. What we won't apparently see on Tuesday in Bilbao, however, are some key cogs both ways...Martin Odegard and Bukayo Saka both expected to miss for the Gunners, while livewire Nico Williams, who wasn't available in the Europa League semis last spring vs, Man U, either, appears out (groin strain). That might tamp down the firepower, and these early Champs League matches often prove cagey. We might look at the draw if available, but taking Athletic on the spread (+0.5 goals) serves a similar purpose, if at a lesser price. Play Athletic on Spread