UEFA Europa League 2011/2012: Manchester United v Athletic Bilbao Match Preview [POLL]

This will be an exciting encounter between two sides who will both be looking for the upper hand in this first leg, Round of 16 Europa league match.

Although the Red Devils only just managed to just scrape through - they beat Dutch side Ajax 3-2 on aggregate - they have been doing well in the Premier League with two back-to-back wins against Norwich City and Spurs. Manchester United will be trying to continue their winning streak against Bilbao in this phase of the competition.

Athletic Bilbao, who are currently fourth in the Spanish La Liga, have also done well this season, reaching the finals of the Copa Del Rey and qualifying for the Round of 16 of this tournament. However, Athletic had to put up a hard two-legged fight against Lokomotiv Moscow in the previous round of this competition.

Both teams will miss some key players due to injuries.

Manchester united probable team: De Gea; Jones, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra; Nani, Anderson, Giggs, Young; Rooney; Welbeck

Athletic Bilbao probable team: Iraizoz; Iraola, Martinez, San Jose, Aurtenexte; Itturaspe, Oscar; Muniain, Susaesta, Herrera; Llorente

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