Europe UEFA Europe League Semifinals - 1st Leg

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Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Athletic Bilbao:
Simon; Gorosabel, Vivian, Alvarez, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; I. Williams, Berenguer, N. Williams; Guruzeta

Manchester United:
Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund

Athletic Bilbao will welcome Manchester United to San Mames in Europe League semi-finals first leg. The Basque side have eliminated Glasgow Rangers in the quarterfinals, while previously outplayed AS Roma. Athletic controlled both opponents and managed to secure a 2:0 aggregate victory against the Scottish opponents and a 4:3 aggregate victory against the Serie A outfit. This will be their third semifinal in the competition. Athletic progressed from the previous two, though they lost both finals - in 1977 and 2012. Nevertheless, this year could be different, particularly as the final will be held at San Mames. Coach Ernesto Valverde has almost all players available for this match, only Oihan Sancet is sidelined through injury. He was forced off in the 22nd minute of Athletic's 1:0 win over Las Palmas last week and misses out. At the end I will mention that Bilbao currently occupy the fourth place in La Liga.

Manchester United are in the bottom half of the table in the Premier League and this competition is their only chance for a piece of silverware. Furthermore, they could secure a Champions League football for the next season by winning the European second-tier competition. New manager Ruben Amorim is under huge pressure as the Premier League results are poor. A possible success in the Europe League is just what the fans want. Real Sociedad and Lyon were outplayed so far in the knock-out stage, but they must continue with the victories. But Amorim has big injury issues ahead of the trip to Spain. Amad Diallo, Toby Collyer and Matthijs de Ligt will return to the fold this week, however this match comes too soon for each of them. Reserve goalkeeper Altay Bayindir and Ayden Heaven are also expect to miss out, while Diogo Dalot and Joshua Zirkzee are definitely out, as well as long-term absentee Lisandro Martinez.

Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United Prediction:

Athletic Bilbao have scored on each of their six home matches played in Europe League. Even more, they have won all of them, scoring 14 goals in the process. But Manchester United are solid in Europe, including the matches played away from home. The Red Devils have netted in all six games on road in the competition. United played 2:2 in Lyon, 1:1 against Real Sociedad and Fenerbahce, 3:3 with Porto etc. I expect both teams to score at San Mames.

Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.98 with Pinnacle

 

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Tottenham vs Bodo/Glimt Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Tottenham:
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bergvall, Bentancur, Maddison; Kulusevski, Solanke, Tel

Bodo/Glimt:
Haikin; Sjovold, Nielsen, Gundersen, Bjork; Fet, Auklend, Saltnes; Blomberg, Hauge, Hogh

Tottenham host Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their Europa League semifinal on Thursday night. The Spurs have an awful season and this is the only remaining competition with a chance for the trophy. Manager Ange Postecoglou is under heavy pressure, many believe he will be sacked at the end regardless of the results on the remaining games. However, I think that winning a first European trophy in 41 years could change the things and transform the Australian coach into a hero. Even more, he faced a big injury crisis during the season. Some players are still sidelined through injury, like knee-victim Radu Dragusin. Captain Heung-min Son is rated as doubtful after missing the last four matches, but the Lilywhites' medical team is hopeful that the South Korean international will be fit to feature in the second leg next week. Finally, Timo Werner and Antonin Kinsky are not registered for the knockout stages of the Europa League.

Bodo/Glimt are the biggest surprise in the European competitions this season. Nobody was expecting them in the semifinals of UEFA Europe League. However, they showed why the football is unpredictable. Big clubs are favorites, but surprises are part of the competition. Bodo/Glimt were not superior during the group stage, but the victories over Porto and Besiktas showed they shouldn't be underestimated. In the knock-out stage they eliminated Eredivisie side Twente, Greek Giants Olympiakos and Serie A outfit Lazio in the quarterfinal. Bodo/Glimt have become the first Norwegian club to reach the semi-finals of some UEFA's men's club competition. Coach Kjetil Knutsen is doing an excellent job and the fans are are satisfied. But he has big worries ahead of this match. Three important players are suspended - Andreas Helmersen, Patrick Berg and Hakon Evjen. In addition, defender Odin Bjortuft was forced off with a groin injury during the victory over KFUM and he is rated as doubtful. Finally, Ole Didrik Blomberg, Daniel Bassi and Baute Vetti are unavailable.

Tottenham vs Bodo/Glimt Prediction:

Tottenham suffered a heavy 5:1 defeat from Liverpool during the weekend, but I don't expect any impact here. The match at Anfield wasn't important for the Spurs and Postecoglou rested the majority of his regulars. To be more precise, he made eight changes at Anfield on Sunday. It is clear this match was a priority and Postecoglou should revert to a full-strength lineup on Thursday. The quality is on Tottenham side, so I expect to win here. Furthermore, Bodo coach Knutsen has huge issues ahead of this match. He is without two of the three starting midfielders with Hakon Evjen and captain Patrick Berg suspended. Odin Bjortuft and Ole Didrik Blomberg are injured, leaving Knutsen without as many as four first team regulars. Tottenham should take advantage from the guests' problems.

Tottenham vs Bodo/Glimt Pick: Tottenham -1.5 AH @ 1.88 with Pinnacle