Man Utd vs Athletic Bilbao: Tips, Odds, and Match Preview

Not many predicted Manchester United's cruising 3:0 win at the Estadio de San Mamés in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals. But 3:0 for United it was, much thanks to Daniel Vivian seeing red in the 35th minute and Bruno Fernandes killing the game off 10 minutes later to put the final score on the board.

The Red Devils bring the tie home, extending their unbeaten run in this year's Europa League campaign. The head coach Ruben Amorim remains cautious, though, urging his players not to take the Thursday game for granted.

However, it would take a proper miracle for the Basque-based side to flip this one around, particularly with the depleted squad up front. Still, the dream of playing the finals at their ground is motivation enough.

Man Utd at the Wheel

It's safe to say that Manchester United have one foot in the finals, despite having a horrendous domestic season sitting 15th in the English top-flight with a goal difference of -9.

The European campaign has been the only shining light for Ruben Amorim's side this season. They are unbeaten in all 13 games so far, and given Amorim's tactical acumen and Man Utd's only pathway to UCL football next season, I can't see them dropping the lead.

The only thorn in Man United's side is their atrocious home form this season outside of the Europa League. But then again, cup competition is a different story.

Man Utd Injury & Suspension News

Matthijs de Ligt and Diogo Dalot are out for the game, as are the long-time absentees Lisandro Martinez (ACL) and Joshua Zirkzee (Hamstring). On the plus side, the promising young winger Amad Diallo is back in action. He even scored off the bench against Brentford at the weekend.

Athletic Club in the Knockdown

Until Man United showed up in town, Ernesto Valverde's side had won all six Europa League games at Estadio de San Mamés.

Coming down from three goals behind is the tallest order imaginable. To make matters worse, Bilbao has struggled to find its attacking feet in two games in a row, shooting on target only once during Sunday's goalless draw against Real Sociedad.

Athletics' domestic form shows little sign of optimism, too. With only 5 wins in the last 14 games, the much-coveted top-four finish is in jeopardy with Villareal breathing down their neck with only three points behind.

Athletic Club Injury & Suspension News

Bad news all over from the Athletic camp. In addition to suspended Daniel Vivian, the Basque side travels without its three top goalscorers this season: brothers Nico and Inaki Williams and Oihan Sancet, who also missed the first leg.

Man Utd vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction

Though you never know in football, this one is pretty much a wrap. I see Athletic being toothless up front due to injuries and Man Utd without incentive to commit men forward. This should result in an uneventful, low-scoring game, probably under 2.5 goals.

If I were to pick a side on the night, I would go for Man United on the grounds of a stronger squad and excellent mid-block tactic regularly deployed by Amorim. The Red Devils win is 1.90 at Ybets, which is a pretty good deal overall.

CryptoGamba tip: Under 2.5 goals – 1.90 @BC.Game