Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao reconvene for the second leg of their Europa League semi-final tie at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
The Red Devils took a huge step towards taking their place in this month’s final by earning an empathic 3-0 in last week’s first leg at the San Mames Stadium.
A Europa League triumph would salvage something from what has otherwise been a miserable campaign for the Manchester giants.
Ruben Amorim’s side were brought back down to earth with a bump following last week’s first leg success, losing 4-2 at Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday.
As for Athletic Bilbao, they continue to occupy fourth spot in the La Liga table despite being held to a 0-0 draw at Real Sociedad last time out.
Ernesto Valverde’s side now face the daunting prospect of trying to overturn a 3-0 deficit at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
How the bookies view it: Red Devils to march on
Following last week’s 3-0 success in Spain, Manchester United are even-money (1/1) favourites on Boylesports to repeat the trick in this week’s return match.
Athletic Bilbao are as big as 9/4 on Boylesports to win inside 90 minutes, while the stalemate can be backed at 5/2 with the same firm.
Head to head: Red Devils seeking repeat
Last week's first leg was the first time the pair had crossed paths on the continental circuit since season 2011/12. However, it’s worth noting that United lost each of the two competitive meetings between the duo before claiming last Thursday night’s stunning success in the Basque Country.
Players to watch: Bruno to land another blow?
Bruno Fernandes played a key role in Manchester United’s 3-0 triumph last Thursday, scoring two of the Red Devils’ three goals on the night. As such, the United captain stands out for either a goal or an assist at Old Trafford this week at 19/20 with William Hill.
Athletic Bilbao will look to Inaki Williams for inspiration on Thursday night. The Lions stalwart looks overpriced to register a minimum of one shot on target at 17/20 with Ladbrokes.
Predicted line-ups
Ayden Heaven, Diogo Dalot, Joshua Zirkzee, Lisandro Martínez and Matthijs de Ligt are all expected to miss out through injury.
Athletic Bilbao could be without key attacking duo Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet, while Dani Vivian will have to sit this one out following his dismissal during last week’s first leg.
Manchester United: Onana; Lindelof, Maguire, Yoro; Mazraoui, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu; Garnacho, Fernandes; Hojlund
Athletic Bilbao: Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Paredes, Yeray, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; I. Williams, Berenguer, Djalo; Sannadi
Anything else catch the eye?
Rather than backing either side on Thursday night, instead look for both teams to score at 4/5 on Bet 365.
Each team has obliged in five of the Red Devils’ six Europa League home games this season, including each of their last four.
As for Athletic Bilbao, a bet on BTTS would have proven profitable in four of their six continental contests away from home this season.
This UEFA Europa League match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao will be played on and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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