Europa League 2024-2025: Athletic Bilbao-Manchester United, likely lineups

Thursday, May 1 at 9 p.m. will see the Europa League semifinal first leg match between Athletic Bilbao and Manchester United at the San Mames Barria in Bilbao. In their last match, the Basques got the better of Las Palmas 1-0 in the league. In the Europa League quarterfinals they beat Glasgow Rangers with a final score of two to zero.

Amorin’s team, on the other hand, drew away against Bournemouth one to one in the Premier League last Sunday. The Red Devils got the better of Olympic Lyon in the Europa League quarterfinals, winning an absurd game with a final score of five to four.

The Red Devils are expected to win the game.

Valverde is expected to make a few changes to his 4-2-3-1. Simon is confirmed between the posts, while in defense Gorosabel should find space in the right-back role. The other three in the line namely Alvarez, Vivian and Berchiche are confirmed instead. No changes in the middle of the field, where the tandem composed of Jauregizar and Ruiz de Galarreta will joust. In the three-quarter, Berenguer’ex-Toro Berenguer is expected to move to a more central position, with Inaki and Nico Williams on either side. Guruzeta favored over Sannadi for the central forward role.

Amorim chooses the path of continuity, as he should confirm almost 100 percent the 3-4-2-1 deployed in the Premier against Bournemouth. Shaw, Maguire and Yoro will make up the defensive line, placed in front of the’former Inter Milan man Onana. In midfield, Ugarte is expected to take over from Mainoo as Casemiro’s partner. On the outsides, however, Mazaroui on the right and the ‘Leccese’Dorgu on the left. Between the lines Bruno Fernandes and Garnacho, supporting another former Serie A player namely Hojlund

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Probable lineups
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Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1): Simon, Gorosabel, Alvarez, Vivian, Berchiche; Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta, Berenguer; Inaki Williams, Nico Williams, Guruzeta. Coach: Valverde

Manchester United (3-4-2-1): Onana, Shaw, Maguire, Yoro; Ugarte, Casemiro, Mazraoui, Dorgu; Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho, Hojlund. Coach: Amorin