Why Arsenal will wear unusual kit combination in Champions League opener against Athletic Club

Mikel Arteta's side begin their Champions League campaign with a tough test against this dangerous La Liga outfit. Incidentally, according to Arsenal Shirt, the Gunners will wear the blue away kit with the silver alternate top and silver socks in a rare combination. But why aren't they wearing more conventional combinations?

The reason behind this is that UEFA have reportedly brought in stricter regulations in regards to kit clashes, so this is a practical solution to avoid any confusion with Athletic Club's outfit. That means the Gunners won't have navy shorts and socks to go with their navy tops.

The north London side will be confident going into this match with their Spanish opponents, as they swept aside Ernesto Valverde's team in a 3-0 pre-season win at the Emirates last month. A tougher examination is expected this time, though.

After Arsenal's game against the Spanish team, they play Manchester City, Port Vale, Newcastle United, Olympiacos, and West Ham in the space of under three weeks. If Arteta's team can win all of those games, they will head into the international break feeling very content.