Europa League: Athletic Bilbao vs. Man United Picks — Red Devils to Take Draw Back to Old Trafford? (May 1)

Man United memorably kept alive their hopes of Europa League success with a stunning 5-4 win at Old Trafford against Lyon at the end of April. However, they will need to be more defensively solid against the talented Athletic Bilbao.

The Red Devils secured progression to this stage with three goals in six extra-time minutes against France’s Lyon. However, it was a more straightforward progression for Bilbao, who recorded a 2-0 aggregate win over Scottish giants Rangers.

Odds

Bilbao Unbeaten Against Red Devils

Athletic Bilbao boasts an excellent record against Man United, and this tie represents a rematch of the 2011-12 tie between the sides.

On that occasion, the Spanish side progressed with a 5-3 aggregate success. Bilbao were dominant on home soil in that season, recording a 2-1 win.

Athletic Bilbao vs. Man United Key Stats

• Athletic Bilbao will be playing in the Europa League semi-finals for the first time since the 2011-12 season.
• Man United’s 5-4 win over Lyon last time out was the first time in European soccer history that five goals were scored during extra-time.

Athletic Bilbao Team News

The Spanish side will have a near fully fit squad for this huge first leg showdown in the Europa League on Thursday. Oiha Sancet is a notable absence.

Possible Lineup

J. Agirrezabala (GK); O. De Marcos, D. Vivian, Y. Alvarez, I. Lekue, M. Jauregizar, I. Galarreta, A. Berenguer, N. Williams, A. Djalo, M. Sannadi

Man United Team News

Mattijs de Ligt is back in contention. Luke Shaw and Mason Mount could be handed starts. Joshua Zirkzee, Amad Diallo, and Lisandro Martinez are all missing for the Red Devils.

Possible Lineup

A. Onana (GK); M. de Ligt, H. Maguire, L. Yoro, D. Dalot, Casemiro, M. Ugarte, P. Dorgu, B. Fernandes, M. Mount, K. Mainoo

Athletic Bilbao vs. Man United Picks

Despite their issues this season, Man United remain unbeaten in the Europa League. Any questions surrounding their character were answered with a fine comeback success against Lyon at Old Trafford in the previous round.

This will be a tougher assignment, but Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation is perfectly adapted to European soccer, and a draw could be played out in Spain on Thursday to give the Red Devils the upperhand in the race to the final.