Getty Images
| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
ATHLETIC BILBAO  Iraizoz Iraola, Javi Martinez, Amorebieta, Aurtenetxe Iturraspe Toquero, Herrera Susaeta, Llorente, Muniain | SPORTING LISBON  Patricio Pereira, Xandao, Polga, Insua Carrico Schaars, Matias Carrillo, Van Wolfswinkel, Capel |
Athletic Bilbao coach Marcelo Bielsa has been boosted by the news that Javi Martinez is available after he missed the match at the Estadio de Alvalade through suspension. Iker Muniain is expected to feature in the starting XI despite sitting out the weekend contest against Racing Santander because of an eye inflammation.
Oscar de Marcos, on the other hand, will not take part in the match because of suspension, with Gaizka Toquero tipped to deputise for him in midfield.
Sporting coach Ricardo Sa Pinto will not be able to count on Elias, who is ineligible in the Europa League, and on Fito Rinaudo and Alberto Rodriguez, both of whom are injured. Matias Fernandez missed the club's last two games, but the Chilean is ready to feature from the start. Marat Izmailov will have to serve a one-match suspension after reaching his yellow card limit.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
Athletic Bilbao have won all of their home matches played against Portuguese opposition.
- Sporting Lisbon, on the other hand, are yet to record a victory in European competitions on Spanish soil.
- The Liga club are the second most prolific side still in contention in the Europa League, with 25 goals, six more than Sporting.
- Prior to the first leg, the last time these two clubs faced each other dated back to 1985-86, when Sporting came out on top 4-2 on aggregate in the Uefa Cup third round.
- Sporting have won just one of their last 10 European games on the road, drawing four and losing five of the remaining nine.
- The Spanish club are the only side in the semi-finals who have never won an European competition.
- If Marcelo Bielsa's side progress, they will meet either Atletico Madrid or Valencia in an all-Spanish final.
Prediction
Sporting were very disappointing at the weekend and their defensive frailties may become even more exposed against a well-organised Athletic side who will not want to waste this chance to make history and try to win their first-ever European title.
Editor's Prediction
Bilbao 3-1 Sporting 
