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Date: 15.03.2012 Time: 18:00 GMT Venue: San Mames |
Hola!
As I sip in a cup of coffee whilst writing this blog, I tend to ask myself a question: Can Manchester United conquer Spain? Its the first time I will doubt United's ability to win a game and go through to the next round. However, United have always proved themselves at the most difficult of situations!
Spain has been a tough place for Manchester United,they have managed two wins out of sixteen games, the last win coming last season. Manchester United go to this fixture having a poor record in Europe this season whilst Bilbao boast a fantastic home record, having lost only two out of their sixteen games at home all season.
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| Athletic Bilbao's fans were at their best in OT; United should expect a noisy atmosphere at San Memes. |
Team News:
Fernando Armerobeita is back from suspension for Athletic Bilbao and that completes Bilbao's full squad.
Manchester United meanwhile welcome Antonio Valencia, Cleverley but will miss the services of Anderson (hamstring), Jones(flu) and long term absentee Vidic!
Form Guide:
Athletic Bilbao: W D W W L
Manchester United: W W W L W
Men To Watch:
Ilker Munian and Llorente remain the biggest threats to United's defence which however will be boosted by Rio Ferdinand's presence alongside Jonny Evans.
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| Llorente and Munian partnership will be a thorn to United's Defemce! |
Manchester United meanwhile will depend on the class of Paul Scholes to revive their European hopes. Well, he is capable of anything on a big stage!
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| There's only 1 Paul Scholes! |
Approach:
Bilbao would fancy an attacking approach with Munian and Llorente pulling the strings. They will prefer to pass the ball around and possess the ball which would frustrate United and probably give them the win that would take them through.
I would favour a 4-5-1 approach by United with Rooney, Scholes, Carrick, Valencia and Ashley Young in the midfield, Welbeck as the lone striker while Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Rafael and De Gea will be the heart of United's defence.
Predictions:
With United's splendid away form, I would fancy a 2-1 win to United which would however not be enough to take them to the next round.
Fingers crossed, may the best team win!
Salud!
Mj Kassam
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