
What Irish TV channel is Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United on? Stream, kick-off time and odds for Europa League semi
MANCHESTER United are in Spain this evening as they aim to salvage their season by getting one foot in the Europa League final.
Last time out the Red Devils channelled the good ole days of Fergie time comebacks against Lyon in
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Their Basque opposition advanced to the last four of the competition by seeing off
Here's everything you need to know about tonight's first leg:
What Irish TV channel is Athletic Club vs Man United on?
It will be shown live on Premier Sports 1 so subscribers with the Irish broadcaster or those with a NOW TV membership will be able to stream it via the Premier Player.
In the UK, it'll be broadcast on TNT Sports 1. Kick-off from the Estadio San Mamés will be at 8pm Irish time.
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What are the odds?
The La Liga side are 21/20 to win on the night while their high-profile visitors are 11/4 underdogs.
A draw is set at 9/4. Athletic are 4/5 to make the final while United are 9/10 to emerge victorious from the tie.
Amorim's approach
There can be no underestimating the importance of both legs, or the size of the task
With more than seven days' rest after a weekend off, Bilbao are dreaming of the chance to play the final in their own backyard on May 21.
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And manager
The stakes are so high going into this evening, with United having only won 17 out of 57 games against Spanish opposition since 2000.
Cristiano Ronaldo appears to argue with himself as he fights back tears after Al-Nassr cup KO
And while Amorim's sorry lot somehow remain the only unbeaten side in Europe, the club's dismal away record in recent years leaves little hope.
A win over two legs could set up a final against Tottenham, who face Bodo Glimt in the other semi.
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But first, SunSport takes a look at
Isolating Nico Williams
It's fair to say that the name
The Old Trafford faithful thought they were in luck when reports claimed that the Spanish wonder was out injured with a groin issue.
But the 22-year-old - who has scored five goals in the Europa League this season - has been cleared to play on Thursday.
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Williams' biggest threat is his pace and ability to attack space when breaking through the lines.
So Valverde typically wants his 4-2-3-1 team to look for opportunities to get Williams isolated and in 1v1 situations against his full-back.
1
United will likely need Bruno Fernandes to be at his inspirational best over the course of both legs
Credit: Getty
As Amorim is devoted to his 3-4-2-1, he needs to find a way to avoid leaving Williams too isolated.
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Amorim needs to get his defensive starting line-up right, otherwise Williams will be able to run riot down his side of the pitch.
Bilbao play narrow and high, with the intention of forcing the opposition to defend narrow, which in turn leaves space for Williams to be released in behind.
With Diogo Dalot a doubt after missing the 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Sunday, Amorim can only really count on
Whoever is chosen to start up against Williams shouldn't be left isolated in a 1v1 situation.
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