Preview: Manchester United vs. Athletic Bilbao

Manchester United face a tough test in the Europa League as they welcome Athletic Bilbao to Old Trafford on Thursday.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admitted that he made a mistake by playing an inexperienced defence against Ajax in the previous round, and therefore Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans should both start.

Anderson could also come back into proceedings, while Chris Smalling and Javier Hernandez are pushing for recalls.

Bilbao, meanwhile, will travel with a full squad following a morale-boosting 2-0 league victory over Real Sociedad in the Basque derby on Sunday.

The Spanish club also boast Fernando Llorente in their ranks, who has struck 19 goals in 29 appearances this season.

Current form:

Manchester United: DWWLWW
Athletic Bilbao: WLWWDW

Possible lineups:

Manchester United: De Gea; Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra; Nani, Anderson, Giggs, Young; Rooney, Hernandez

Athletic Bilbao: Iraizoz; Iraola, Martinez, San Jose, Aurtenetxe; Iturraspe, Oscar, Muniain, Susaeta, Herrera; Llorente

Sports Mole says: 3-1

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