The first legs of two Europa League semi final matches take place on Thursday when Athletic Bilbao host Manchester United and Spurs have home advantage against Bodo Glimt
Match result prices quoted from Sportingbet are correct at the time of writing but subject to change.
Athletic Bilbao evens Draw 24/10 Manchester United 11/4
Athletic booked their place in the semi finals after seeing off Rangers. They drew the first leg 0-0 in Glasgow before a 2-0 win in the return in Bilbao thanks to a Sancet penalty and a late strike from Nico Williams.
In the Round of 16 Athletic lost their first leg of their clash with Roma 2-1 away from home but they turned the tie around with a 3-1 home win (Williams brace) to go through 4-3 on aggregate. Athletic finished as runners up in the league phase with 6 wins, 1 draw and just the 1 defeat.
In La Liga Athletic are in fourth place and very much on course to qualify for the Champions League next season and their home record comprises of 10 wins, 6 draws and 1 defeat.
United came through an epic battle with Lyon in the quarter finals, 7-6 on aggregate. The first leg in Lyon finished all square at 2-2 and the return at Old Trafford was full of late drama. Regulation time again finished at 2-2 but Lyon were reduced to 10 men in the closing stages. The French side then took a 4-2 lead on the night but 3 United goals from the 114th minute onwards saw them squeeze through.
In their Ro16 clash with Real Socieded United came out on top 5-2 on aggregate. The first leg in Spain finished all square at 1-1 and a Bruno Fernandes hat trick (including 2 pens) saw United through as 4-1 winners on the night. United were unbeaten in the league phase, drawing their first 3 matches but winning each of the next 5.
In the EPL United are 14th in standings and the Europa League is their only hope of a trophy this season.
The Verdict
United's better results have arrived in this competition but Bilbao have been very consistent in La Liga as well as Europe and look more than useful. I'm with a goal to be scored in both halves of the first leg and Casemiro to pick up a card.
Bets: Goal to be scored in both halves? Yes at 17/20 with Sportingbet
Player to be carded Casemiro at 1.55/1 with Sportingbet
Spurs 3/10 Draw 4.75/1 Bodo Glimt 8/1
Spurs edged a tight quarter final match up with Frankfurt 2-1 on aggregate. The first leg in London finished all square at 1-1 and a Solanke penalty saw Spurs edge the return in Germany.
After losing the first leg of their Ro16 clash away to AZ Alkmaar, Spurs turned things around with a 3-1 to go through 3-2 on aggregate. Spurs had qualified for the knockout rounds automatically with a record of 5 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat.
In the EPL Spurs are 16th in the standings so this competition is also their only opportunity to rescue what has been a poor season.
Bodo are the surprise package and they accounted for Lazio in the quarter finals, winning the first leg 2-0 on home turf and after Lazio won the second leg 3-1 to force spot kicks it was Bodo who held their nerve.
In the Ro16 Bodo were 3-0 winners at home to Olympiakos and despite losing the return 2-1 they had done enough to go through. Bodo finished ninth in the league phase with 4 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats which set up a play off with FC Twente. They were 2-1 down after the first leg but a 5-2 home win turned things around in some style.
The Norwegian domestic season is in its early stages and Bodo are currently second, unbeaten with 3 wins and 1 draw.
The Verdict
Bodo's home form is exceptional and Spurs will be looking for daylight to take into the second leg. I'm looking for an anytime goalscorer and Kulusevski fits the bill.
Bets: Anytime goalscorer Kulusevski at 18/10 with Sportingbet
Note, prices quoted are subject to change
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