Manchester United’s entire season rests on a two-legged Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao.
But progression to the final next month will be anything but easy for Ruben Amorim’s inconsistent side, even after the heroics against Lyon in the quarter-finals.
Read on for NetBet’s latest Europa League preview, featuring odds and betting tips for your football bets.
And if your bet on Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United is coming in with time still left to play, our Cash Out feature allows you to collect winnings early.
Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United
Thursday, May 1, 8pm
San Mames, Bilbao
Live on TNT Sports
Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United Preview
The fact United are even in the semi-finals is quite astounding.
Amorim’s side were 4-2 down in extra-time against Lyon at Old Trafford, but somehow rallied to win the match 5-4 thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire.
It was a night to remember, but since then, the Red Devils have lost 1-0 at home to Wolves and drawn 1-1 at Bournemouth, welcome reminders of the transitional stage they find themselves in.
After a comfortable 2-0 home win over Rangers to reach this stage, Bilbao were beaten 1-0 by Real Madrid, before defeating Las Palmas by the same scoreline last Wednesday to remain fourth in La Liga.
A welcome weekend off has given the Basque side more time to prepare for this crucial fixture, although injuries may be a key factor.
Top scorer Oihan Sancet and flying winger Nico Williams are both fitness doubts and their absences would place more pressure on Inaki Williams, Alex Berenguer and Gorka Guruzeta to test United’s leaky defence in the cauldron that is San Mames.
But United’s attack has been significantly weakened by the long-term injuries suffered by Amad Diallo and Joshua Zirkzee.
Rasmus Hojlund did get a crucial goal in the draw at Bournemouth, though, and Amorim will be hoping the Dane can deliver again in a competition where he has five goals in 12 appearances this season.
Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Bilbao are the favourites at a price of 2.00. A United victory is at 3.76, while the draw is 3.28.
Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United Betting Tips
Manchester United to score under 0.5 goals @ 2.53
A bold tip to start, but at home Bilbao’s defence often shines bright. No team in La Liga has a better defensive record on their own patch, with the Basque side conceding just 10 goals in 17 league matches at San Mames. Even with the brilliant Fernandes in their ranks, United may find scoring a tough task.
Inaki Williams to score anytime @ 3.27
Bilbao have scored in every home Europa League match this season and Williams also has five goals in 11 appearances.
Athletic Bilbao to win 1-0 @ 5.55
European semi-final first legs can often be tense, cagey games. With the two tips above in mind, we like the look of the odds on a 1-0 home win.
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