Analysis and prediction for Athletic Bilbao vs MU: A knockout blow from the Red Devils.

Latest team news for Athletic Bilbao vs MU

Manchester United are hoping Amad Diallo, Toby Collyer and Matthijs de Ligt will return this week, but all three are unlikely to feature in the first leg.

Altay Bayindir and Ayden Heaven could remain absent, while Diogo Dalot (calf) and Joshua Zirkzee (hamstring) are out with serious injuries and could miss the rest of the season; Lisandro Martinez is still undergoing long-term treatment.

Among the fit players, captain Bruno Fernandes is an indispensable choice for coach Amorim. The Portuguese player has been involved in 29 goals in 31 knockout matches in the Europa League – a record for the competition.

Bruno also had an impressive record in the semi-finals, with three goals and three assists in just three games. Meanwhile, Athletic star Nico Williams has been involved in at least one goal in all six Europa League matches at San Mames this season (five goals, two assists).

Nico was rested in the win against Las Palmas – where his brother Inaki Williams scored the winning goal – but the two are expected to play together this Thursday. Gorka Guruzeta and Maroan Sannadi are candidates for a starting spot in attack, while Oihan Sancet – who has scored 18 goals from midfield – will be absent due to a thigh injury.

Oscar De Marcos – who will retire at the end of the season – is the only player remaining from the last encounter between the two teams in 2012. The 36-year-old scored in both matches that year, but is no longer the first-choice right-back.

Latest predicted lineups for Athletic Bilbao vs MU

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

Latest football match prediction: Athletic Bilbao vs MU

Following their spectacular comeback to eliminate Lyon in the quarter-finals, Manchester United may be feeling fortunate to have a knack for winning the Europa League – salvaging their hopes of a trophy in what has been a disappointing season.

After a dramatic 2-2 draw in the first leg in France, United led 4-2 on aggregate at Old Trafford before Paulo Fonseca's side scored four goals without reply. The first two goals sent the game into extra time, putting Lyon – even down to 10 men – close to a historic victory. However, that only set the stage for a dramatic finish: United scored three goals in the final six minutes through Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Harry Maguire to secure their place in the next round with a 7-6 aggregate score.

Previously, the "Red Devils" had easily progressed through the group stage – averaging two goals per game and finishing in third place – and then defeated Real Sociedad in the round of 16.

Having won the Europa League eight years ago, United have won 14 of their last 15 knockout matches in the competition. Despite difficulties in the domestic league, manager Ruben Amorim remains unbeaten in eight European cup matches with the team.

In fact, United are currently the only remaining team with an unbeaten record in Europe this season, with 28 goals. They also have the most shots (222 shots) and the most touches in the opponent's penalty area (458) in the Europa League this season.

With their low position in the Premier League – only avoiding defeat against Bournemouth thanks to a late goal from Rasmus Hojlund – winning the Europa League would be the quickest path to returning to the Champions League next season.

However, history suggests they may struggle against Athletic Bilbao, having lost three of their four previous encounters. Their only victory came in February 1957.

This match also marks the first time the two teams have met since the Europa League Round of 16 in the 2011-12 season, when Athletic, under the leadership of Marcelo Bielsa, won both legs and subsequently reached the final that year.

While Manchester United prepare for their 18th European Cup semi-final in history, this is only Athletic's third appearance at this stage. Despite having reached the semi-finals twice before (1977 and 2012), the Basque team were defeated in the final on both occasions.

Now, they are eager to write a new chapter in history after winning the Copa del Rey last season – especially since this year's Europa League final will be held right at their home stadium, San Mames.

Finishing the group stage one point and one place ahead of United, Ernesto Valverde's side went on to overcome Roma and Rangers to advance. After losing the first leg, they won 3-1 at home against Roma, then drew 0-0 in Glasgow before Sancet and Nico Williams scored in the second leg.

To date, Athletic have won all six of their home matches in the Europa League this season – scoring 14 goals and conceding only two.

Finishing fifth in La Liga last season, Athletic are on track to secure a Champions League spot, with their recent win against Las Palmas keeping them well ahead of Villarreal and Betis with just five rounds remaining.

Having had the weekend off due to Barcelona and Real Madrid playing in the Copa del Rey final, Valverde and his players will make the most of their physical condition and home advantage.

Between the first and second legs at Old Trafford, Athletic also have a derby match against Real Sociedad – a team United had eliminated in the previous round – promising a decisive week of the season.

Latest Athletic Bilbao vs MU score prediction

Based on the above football analysis, we and leading football websites worldwide have provided our predictions for the match.Athletic Bilbao vs MUas follows:

• Sportsmole:Athletic Bilbao 2-0 MU

• WhoScore:Athletic Bilbao 2-1 MU
• Our newspaper predicts:Athletic Bilbao 2-1 MU

When and where can I watch Athletic Bilbao vs MU live?

To watch the Athletic Bilbao vs MU match live in the Europa League at 2:00 AM on May 2nd, viewers can tune in to the following channels:K+ Sport,K+PMor online sports channels. We hope you enjoy watching football.