*Match preview and betting tips provided by SVB Tips
🔥 Match Context
United are just 90 minutes away from returning to the Europa League final for the first time since 2021, when they lost on penalties to Villarreal after a 1-1 draw. This time, the Red Devils are firmly in control, having secured a dominant 3-0 away victory in Bilbao in the first leg.
Only one team in the history of European competitions has ever come back from a 3+ goal home defeat in the first leg, and that was Maccabi Haifa vs Olympiakos in 2023’s Conference League. Adding to United's advantage, they’ve never lost a European home match by a margin of three goals.
🔴 Manchester United – Looking to Finish the Job
- Undefeated in Europe this season (8 wins, 5 draws).
- Scored 31 goals in this campaign – just 3 short of their all-time record (34 in 2020-21).
- Set a club record last weekend for youngest starting XI in the Premier League era (average 22 years, 270 days).
- Despite poor domestic form (16 losses, most since 1989-90), they've been clinical in Europe.
📉 Injury concerns: De Ligt (doubtful), Martinez, Dalot, and Zirkzee are out.
⚪ Athletic Bilbao – A Mountain to Climb
Bilbao must produce the performance of the season to turn this tie around and make the final, which ironically will be played at their own stadium. The first leg was one of their worst performances this year: just 27% possession, 3 shots on target, and a red card by Dani Vivian in the first half.
- Drew 0-0 with Real Sociedad in La Liga after the first leg.
- Just 2 away wins in Europe this season (vs Ludogorets and Fenerbahce).
- Only 2 times in club history have they lost both legs of a European knockout tie.
- Poor recent record vs English teams: 7 losses in their last 9 meetings.
📉 Key absentees: Vivian (suspended), with Nico Williams, Sancet, and De Marcos doubtful.
📋 Probable Lineups
Manchester United (4-2-3-1):
Onana – Lindelöf, Maguire, Yoro – Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu – Fernandes, Garnacho – Højlund
Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1):
Agirrezabala – De Marcos, Paredes, Alvarez, Berchiche – Galarreta, Jauregizar – I. Williams, Berenguer, N. Williams – Sancet/Sannadi
✅ Betting Suggestions
Here are the best betting angles based on form, motivation, and team news:
- 1. Manchester United to Win – 💰 Safe pick United have the edge, form, and home support. Bilbao have poor English opposition record and key absentees.
- 2. Over 2.5 Goals – 📈 With both teams likely to play open football (Bilbao chasing, United sharp in attack), goals are expected.
- 3. Manchester United to Score in Both Halves – ⚡ Great value They scored 3 in the first half in Bilbao. At home, against a desperate opponent, a repeat is likely.
- 4. Athletic Bilbao Under 1.5 Goals – 🧊 They’ve struggled away in knockout games and United’s defense at home is historically solid.
- 5. Bruno Fernandes Anytime Goalscorer – 🎯