Manchester United will travel to face Athletic Bilbao in the 2024-25 Europa League semifinal first leg tonight. It will be a cracker as the two teams cross swords for a place in the final of the competition. Who is likely to ace this tie? Here is our review.
Manchester United have struggled domestically this season. They are marooned in 14th place on the table with 39 points from 34 games, winning 10, drawing nine, and losing 15.
By all ramifications, it has been a disastrous domestic campaign for the Red Devils. However, they have defied the league drawbacks to enjoy a stellar run in the European second tier, going unbeaten in all their matches in the competition.
Worthy of mention is the dramatic 7-6 aggregate victory over Lyon in the quarter-finals, thanks to Harry Maguire’s late heroics.
Athletic Bilbao are also not pushovers heading into this match. The La Liga side have enjoyed both a remarkable domestic and European campaign under the watch of Ernesto Valverde.
They are fourth in La Liga standings with 60 points from 33 games and have maintained a perfect run at home in the Europa League this season, winning all of their six home matches.
This include a 2-0 win over Scottish giants Rangers in the quarter-finals. They will aim to secure their seventh straight home victory in the competition, hosting United tonight.
Team News, Line Up, & Prediction
Nico Williams netted the lone goal that secured all three points for the Red and Whites against Las Palmas at the weekend. The Spain international is expected to return to the line up for the match alongside his brother Inaki Williams.
Their first-choice goalkeeper Simon is also expected in-between the sticks for the home side with the likes of Berenguer and Guruzeta also expected to start.
Manchester United have been handed a double injury ahead of the match with prolific winger Amad Diallo and center-back Matthijs de Light back to the team. The pair will be available for the Red Devils alongside other first-team regulars.
Kickoff & Prediction
We expect a tough match as the two teams who have yet to taste defeat in the competition lock horns. However, Athletic Bilbao boast a more impressive form this season than United and the favourites to win.
Nevertheless, United will hope to leverage on their richer history to contest the tie. Hence,.the match is likely to end in a 0-0 draw.
