Manchester United embark on a tricky trip to Spain where they face Athletic Bilbao in a Europa League semi-final first leg clash, looking to maintain their unbeaten run in this season’s competition and go into the return leg at Old Trafford next week in a good position to qualify for the final.
Match Odds
Prediction
In the only previous meeting between both clubs, Bilbao overcame the Red Devils 5-3 on aggregate after winning both legs of the Europa League Round of 16 clash in the 2011-12 season. The La Liga outfit went on to reach the final before losing to Atletico Madrid.
Athletic are a well-organised side under the tutelage of Ernesto Valverde and have proven to be tough to beat so far this season, which is why we have our money on Athletic to win or draw.
Form
Athletic Club’s last five Europa League games – W L W D W
Man. United’s last five Europa League games – W D W D W
Team News
Amad Diallo is back in full training for the Red Devils, as is Matthijs de Ligt, although manager Ruben Amorim says it is unlikely both players will start the crunch match in the Basque region. The United boss admits both could still be involved in the game, though.
United are without Diogo Dalot, who has a calf injury, while Toby Collyer has not travelled after he was seen training individually at Carrington, before the main session. Joshua Zirkzee and Lisandro Martinez are out for the season.