DOES MANCHESTER WANT EUROPA ?
Thursday brings the two teams from Manchster back into Europa league action, but the question I'm left with is do they value this cup? The feeling from some sections of supporters is that being able to win the premier league and stop their neighbour is clearly their priority.
Firstly Manchester City will clearly feel confident of overturning their first leg defeat. City have a outstanding home record which will put them clearly on the front foot. But in Ricardo Sa Pinto's Sporting Lisbon team have only suffered one defeat since he has taken over. City will be without Kompany again and have doubts over Lescott also.
City have seen over two goals in all but one of their european matches this season and are so far to concede at home in the Europa league. Lisbon have only managed one away win in europe this season also suffering two defeats and two draws on their travels. Overall I cannot see any other result than a Manchester City win but Sporting will try and get numbers behind the ball and frustrate the hosts.
MATCH TIPS
Over 2.5 goals @ 1.74
Manchester City to win to nil @2.08
Manchester United have the ominous task of travelling to the San Mames looking to recover from a first leg defeat. After a very impressive first leg much of europe are now aware of a very impressive and young Bilbao team. The task for united is revealed with Bilbao having scored at least one goal in their last seventeen matches. Bilbao have won all bar one of their last 10 home matches and have Amorebieta available after suspension. Manchester United have no fresh injury worries but their inconsistant european form must be of concern before this game. My thoughts are this will be a very attack minded game with both teams looking for goals. I believe the home side will get the result they need to proceed to their first european quarter-final in 35 years.
MATCH TIPS
Athletic Bilbao to win @2.88
Over 2.5 goals @1.68
Llorente to score @2.5
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