Aiming to take another step towards destiny, Athletic Bilbao host Manchester United in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday evening.
The Basque side are intent on taking part in this season’s final, which is to be held at San Mames, but they will be missing a key player for United’s visit.
Oihan Sancet has scored 18 goals from midfield this term, but he has now been sidelined by a thigh injury; so either Alex Berenguer or Unai Gomez could deputise.
Athletic’s star man should return to the starting XI, though, after Nico Williams was restricted to a substitute role against Las Palmas. The Spain winger has registered five goals and two assists from six European games at San Mames this season.
Nico’s elder brother Inaki Williams scored the winner in La Liga last week, and the duo should lead Athletic’s attack, alongside either Gorka Guruzeta or Maroan Sannadi.
While Unai Simon is sure to start in goal, Ernesto Valverde has plenty of options to choose from in defence, with several players competing for places.
Veteran defender Oscar De Marcos is the only man left standing from two 2012 meetings with United in the Europa League. He scored in both games that year, but Andoni Gorosabel might be selected at right-back.
Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup: Simon; Gorosabel, Vivian, Alvarez, Berchiche; De Galarreta, Jauregizar; I. Williams, Berenguer, N. Williams; Guruzeta
> Click here to see how Manchester United could line up for Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg
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