Manchester United will continue their UEFA Europa League campaign on Thursday night with a pre-quarterfinal first-leg tie against Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils defeated Ajax Amsterdam in their last round tie by 3-2 on aggregate but lost the second leg at their home ground in February. On the other hand, Spanish side Athletic Bilbao will face the hosts after an away-goals win over Lok Moscow in the previous round.
United’s form at Old Trafford in this European season has been pathetic as they have won just one game playing at home. They would be looking at this game against Bilbao as the perfect opportunity to get back to winning ways in front of their fans.
The Manchester club will welcome back defender Chris Smalling, who has recovered from an injury to his head sustained while featuring for England in the Three Lions’ 3-2 defeat at the hands of Netherlands at Wembley last week.
Tom Cleverly may start the game but Anderson will sit out as he is yet to regain full fitness after recovering from a knee injury. A place in the starting XI during the second leg is a definite possibility.
Bilbao will expect ace striker Fernando Llorente to replicate his La Liga goal-scoring form on the continental level as well. The forward has scored 19 goals this season but has found the net just twice in Europe.
The Premier League Champions were thrown into this competition after being knocked out in the UEFA Champions League group stages by FC Basel. But Alex Ferguson’s side are now looking forward to win the competition, which is a second-tier tournament in European football.
Probable Line-ups:
Man United: De Gea, Fabio, Smalling, Ferdinand, Evra, Nani, Carrick, Giggs, Park, Roone, Welbeck
Athletic Bilbao: Iraizoz, Iraola, San Jose, Ekiza, Aurtenetxe, Martinez, Herrera, Susaeta, De Marcos, Muniain, Llorente