Manchester United will face Athletic Club in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League. Meanwhile, Tottenham will face Bodø/Glimt.
A place in next season’s UEFA Champions League is on the line for the winner, which means that United and Tottenham’s respective seasons rest heavily on the Europa League
Manchester United vs. Athletic Bilbao
Manchester United (3.85) are coming off the back of a dramatic 7-6 aggregate win over Lyon in the quarter-finals. The Red Devils came back from 4-2 down in the second leg to win 5-4. United capitalised on their numerical advantage after Corentin Tolisso was sent off in the 89th minute.
The Red Devils will be pleased with their fighting spirit in that game, but not their performance. They allowed Lyon to take a two-goal lead in extra time, even when the French side had only 10 men on the field. They may have come back subsequently, but they cannot allow their next Europa League opponents so many chances.
Athletic (2.01) drew 0-0 to Rangers away before beating them 2-0 at home. The Spanish side netted through Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams. They are currently sitting fourth in LaLiga and look set for the UEFA Champions League next season, regardless of the outcome of this Europa League season. Sancet has been crucial for them in LaLiga with 15 goals.
United are without a win in their last five Premier League games. Most recently, they drew 1-1 with Bournemouth. There was at least one positive – Rasmus Højlund got on the scoresheet with a stoppage time equaliser to salvage a point.
Athletic will host the first leg at San Mamés. Home advantage and their superior form mean that they are favourites as per the soccer betting odds. Manchester United are 14th in the Premier League but have fared reasonably well in big matches since Ruben Amorim took over as head coach. This certainly is one of the biggest games of their season.
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Bodø/Glimt
Tottenham (1.27) are major favourites for their clash with the Europa League’s surprise package, Norway’s Bodø/Glimt (10.00).
Spurs are in poor Premier League form. Their 5-1 loss to Liverpool guaranteed the league title for the Reds and left Ange Postecoglou’s men 16th in the table with four matches left to play. However, like United, they will be focusing all their resources on the Europa League as they attempt to salvage their season.
Dominic Solanke scored Tottenham’s goal in the defeat to his former club, Liverpool. The striker may finally be rediscovering form after a knee injury disrupted his season.
Ulrik Saltnes is a player to watch for Bodø/Glimt. The free-scoring midfielder was instrumental in their shock quarter-final win over Lazio, scoring both goals in the 2-0 first leg win in the quarter-finals.
Conclusion: Europa League to Save United or Tottenham’s Season?
Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur head into the UEFA Europa League semi-finals knowing that their seasons hinge on success in this competition. United’s resilience against Lyon showed their fighting spirit, but they will need a more disciplined performance to overcome a confident Athletic Club side in Bilbao.
Meanwhile, Tottenham must quickly regroup after their Premier League struggles if they are to avoid being the next victim of Bodø/Glimt’s fairytale run. Spurs have the experience and squad depth to prevail, but must rediscover their attacking rhythm quickly. Home advantage could play a key role in both ties, with Athletic and Bodø/Glimt looking to make strong statements in the first legs.
Soccer betting odds currently favour Athletic and Tottenham, but with so much at stake, expect drama and unpredictability. Only one thing is certain: both United and Spurs are fighting for much more than just a trophy – their seasons depend on it.
