Europa League Semi Final Tips & Predictions
An all-English Europa League final in Bilbao later this month looks highly likely with Manchester United and Tottenham in strong positions following last week's semi-final first legs.
United are 3-0 up following their demolition of final hosts Athletic Bilbao last Thursday, while Spurs have a healthy 3-1 advantage to take to Norway where they face Europa minnows Bodo/Glimt in their decider.
This is the last chance of glory this season for the Premier League pair and neither will want to slip up with a place in the final tantalisingly close, but a lively night of action can still be expected on Thursday.
Tip 1: Manchester United to win & both teams score @ 14/5
Athletic Bilbao had high hopes of reaching the Europa League final on home turf at the San Mames this term, but they were well beaten by Manchester United last week and face a fight to lift themselves for this return leg at Old Trafford.
Playing with only 10 men for over half of the match following Dani Vivian's 35th-minute red card left Athletic's dreams in tatters as the Red Devils overran them to secure a 3-0 first-leg lead.
Bilbao ended that match on the back foot but they will need a positive response if they are to secure an unlikely comeback in this clash.
However, Lyon scored four goals in their quarter-final second leg at Old Trafford last month, so the Spanish side will be confident that they can breach United at least once.
Turning around the tie looks unlikely but United have been vulnerable this term, particularly on home soil where they have kept just six clean sheets in 27 outings in all competitions.
Added to that, United have secured only three shutouts in their 13 Europa League fixtures this season, so a sustained period of pressure from Athletic Bilbao could yield rewards.
The danger, though, is that United are likely to play on the counter-attack and the home side could get plenty of opportunities to kill off the tie, so a home win in which both teams score looks the best course of action from a punting perspective.
Tip 2: Over 3.5 goals @ 31/20
Tottenham face a step into the unknown on Thursday as they head to the Arctic Circle with a 3-1 advantage in their Europa League semi-final with Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.
Spurs dominated last week's leg in London and should really have killed off the tie there and then. However, a late goal for Bodo means the Lilywhites must tread carefully, particularly as they will be playing on an artificial pitch in this decider.
Tottenham won the shots on target count 7-1 in the first leg but they will be rueing the fact they conceded an 83rd-minute goal when in such a strong position.
Besiktas, FC Twente, Olympiakos and Lazio have all been beaten by Bodo on their home turf, and Spurs will need to be switched on to ensure they aren't the latest victims of the Norwegian minnows.
A miserable domestic campaign means Tottenham must win this competition to secure a European spot for next season and they should be too strong for their hosts on Thursday.
However, Ange Postecoglu's side rarely make things easy for themselves and a high-scoring encounter looks likely at the Aspmyra Stadion.
Backing at least four goals to be scored looks the best course of action.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation