Manchester United v/s Athletic Bilbao
Date: 08.03.2012
Venue: Old Trafford
KO: 20:05 GMT
Hola!
Its European night in the city of Manchester, this time its a Spanish opposition making their way to Old Trafford. Its Manchester United v/s Athletic Bilbao for the 1st Leg of the Europa League Round of 16.
The last time the two teams met was 55 years ago, when Matt Busby's men travelled to Spain in January 1957, they were outplayed and lost 5-3. The second leg was at Maine Road (OT didn't have flood lights back then) and United did what they do best, they won 3-0 and eventually knocked their opponents out with just a few minutes to go. (Agg score: 6-5 to United).
A few interesting facts about the game:
> Athletic Bilbao have never won on English soil (one draw, six defeats)
> It's the first time De Gea will face Spanish opponents since his arrival at United last summer.
> Man United have won only one out of their four European games at OT.
> Should Ryan Giggs feature in this game, he will equal Paolo Maldini's record of 902 games for one club (Ac Milan).
Form Guide:
Manchester United: W D W W W
Atheltico Bilbao: L W W D W
Team News:
Athletico Bilbao are expected to travel with their full squad except their long term injured players Aitor Ocio, Carlos Gurpegui and Xabier Castillo
Man United meanwhile are still without N. Vidic who will miss the rest of the season due to his knee injury. A.Valencia may be back for the next leg in Spain whilst Cleverley may feature this weekend. Meanwhile, Anderson and Owen could feature on Thursday after being out due to injury.
Man to watch:
Iker Munian- the youngest player to feature for Athletic Bilbao(16 years) in 2009, is one of their best players. He has netted three times this season including the winner against Lokomotiv Moscow in the last round.
Fernando Llorente has been attracting interest from many clubs, Spurs being one of them. He is a threat to any defence, and has scored 20 goals in all competitions for Athletic Club.
Fernando Llorente has been attracting interest from many clubs, Spurs being one of them. He is a threat to any defence, and has scored 20 goals in all competitions for Athletic Club.
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| Iker Munian. |
Ashley Young meanwhile will be the main focus as he scored two against Tottenham and provided the assist for Rooney's goal.
Manchester United go into this game having won their game against Tottenham despite a poor performance. Athletic Bilbao meanwhile come to this game with a high morale after defeating Real Sociedad in the Basque derby.
Preditction:
I would settle for a comfortable victory to Man United despite the poor record at OT in European games.
3-0 to Manchester United.
Adios!
Mj Kassam
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