MX23RW : Monday, November 25 17:20:24| >> :120:4698:4698:

Preview: Manchester United vs. Athletic Bilbao

Preview: Manchester United vs. Athletic Bilbao
© PA Photos
Manchester United welcome Athletic Bilbao to Old Trafford in the Europa League on Thursday.

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

ID:18972: cacheID:18972:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2755:

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Restore Data
Share this article now:
Chris Smalling
Read Next:
Smalling, Cleverley nearing return
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool1210112481631
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd124441313016
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Ipswich TownIpswich121651323-109
19Crystal Palace121561017-78
20Southampton121110924-154


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!