*Match preview and betting tips provided by SVB Tips
This tasty clash clash takes place at San Mamés in Bilbao – the same venue that will host this season's final, which is a huge motivational boost for the Basques, who are dreaming of lifting the trophy on home soil. Meanwhile, for the Red Devils, this is the only realistic path to salvage what has been a dismal season, especially in the Premier League.
BILBAO JUST ONE DEFEAT IN 10 MATCHES
Athletic Club are closing in on Champions League qualification via La Liga, currently sitting fourth with five games to go. That means Europa League glory could prove to be something of a bonus – and the chance to win it in front of their fans at San Mamés.
The Basques are in solid form, having lost just once in their last ten matches – a narrow 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid at the Bernabéu. They bounced back with a 1-0 win at home against Las Palmas.
In Europe, Athletic had a strong group stage, finishing second – one spot ahead of United. They then knocked out Roma in the round of 16, overturning a 2-1 first-leg loss in Rome with a convincing 3-1 win in Bilbao. In the quarterfinals, they eliminated Rangers, drawing 0-0 away and winning 2-0 at home.
Coach Ernesto Valverde has only one key absentee – Oihan Sancet, injured in the recent league game. Goalkeeper Agirrezabala is expected to start again in Europe, ahead of Spain international Unai Simón.
UNITED WINLESS IN 90 MINUTES IN THEIR LAST 7 GAMES
Manchester United’s season has been disappointing, but winning the Europa League could be a lifeline – both for the silverware and the direct Champions League spot it brings. Despite their poor domestic form, United appear to have shifted their focus fully to Europe.
They had a strong finish in the group stage and then beat another Basque side, Real Sociedad, drawing 1-1 away and winning 4-1 at Old Trafford. That was one of their last wins in regulation time. Since then, they’ve only beaten Leicester 3-0 in the league and have gone seven games without a 90-minute victory.
That run includes two wild 2-2 draws against Lyon, with United miraculously coming back from 2-4 to win 5-4 in extra time at home. Since then, they’ve lost to Wolves and drawn with Bournemouth in the Premier League. Manager Ruben Amorim continues to face major injury woes, with key players like Lisandro Martínez, Amad Diallo, Zirkzee, Collyer, Dalot, de Ligt, and Heaven all sidelined.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Athletic Club: Agirrezabala – De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray Álvarez, Yuri Berchiche – Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta – Iñaki Williams, Unai Gómez, Nico Williams – Sancet (or a replacement if unavailable).
Man Utd: Onana – Yoro, Maguire, Shaw – Mazraoui, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu – Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes – Højlund.
Top Betting Suggestions
- Athletic Club Draw No Bet – United’s form is poor, and Bilbao are unbeaten in their last 9 home games in Europe.
- Under 2.5 Goals – Both teams have struggled to score freely in recent matches, and this is a high-stakes first leg.
- Both Teams to Score – NO – United have attacking injuries and have looked blunt going forward; Athletic are tight at home.
- Correct Score 1-0 or 2-0 Athletic – Good value for a narrow home win, considering recent form and motivation.