With the UEFA Europa League semi-finals upon us, Thursday’s fixtures promise high drama, tactical chess matches, and the potential for upsets. Two English clubs remain in the hunt, but they’ll face fierce opposition in the form of Athletic Bilbao and Bodo/Glimt—teams who have more than earned their spot at this stage.
Overview of the Matchups
The first semi-final sees Athletic Bilbao welcoming Manchester United to the famed San Mamés. It’s a clash of cultures, footballing identities, and form. Bilbao, proud in their Basque-only policy, have defied odds this season with a string of impressive results both domestically and in Europe. Not only are they unbeaten at home in this competition, but they have the added incentive of knowing the final will be hosted in their own stadium. That’s a prize too enticing to ignore.
Manchester United, meanwhile, enter the match still unbeaten in European competition this season—but barely hanging on in their domestic campaign. While they continue to grind out results, form has been patchy and the injury list continues to grow. United’s away performances in particular have been far from convincing, and they’ll need to summon something special to take an advantage back to Old Trafford.
Over in North London, Tottenham Hotspur take on the giant-killers Bodo/Glimt. It’s been a turbulent Premier League season for Spurs and all signs point towards a managerial change in the summer. But if there’s any silver lining to salvage, it’s this: a Europa League trophy would end the club’s long trophy drought and secure a route back to Champions League football.
Standing in their way? A Bodo/Glimt side that has already shocked the football world. Having toppled Lazio in dramatic fashion in the quarter-finals, the Norwegians are writing their own underdog story. Despite a shaky away record in the knockout stages, they’ll arrive in London full of confidence and belief.
This pair of semi-finals sets up a fascinating narrative: will the Premier League powerhouses impose their quality, or will we see a continuation of this season’s European unpredictability?
And if you’re looking for deeper insight into these matchups, America Bet has you covered.
Overview of Betting Information
We’ve broken down each fixture in our comprehensive Europa League Match Previews 01/05/25, featuring everything betting enthusiasts crave—from tactical analysis to key players, recent form, and of course, score predictions and betting tips.
In the Bilbao vs Manchester United clash, the betting prediction favours a home win. Athletic Bilbao’s formidable form at San Mamés, combined with Manchester United’s inconsistent performances away, makes the Basque side the smart pick. Our predicted scoreline? A tight 2-1 win for Bilbao.
Over at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the prediction leans towards the hosts. Despite their recent struggles, Tottenham’s superior squad depth and home advantage should prove decisive against Bodo/Glimt. The tip here is a 3-1 win for Spurs, who will be eager to put one foot in the final before travelling to Norway.
In addition to match and score predictions, we’ve outlined 10 top-value betting tips per fixture. These range from traditional picks like match winner and over/under goals, to more specific selections like first-half outcomes, card totals, and goalscorer markets. Whether you’re a casual punter or seasoned bettor, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s just a taste of what we’re recommending:
- Bilbao to win
- Both Teams to Score – Yes
- Tottenham -1 Handicap
- Over 2.5 Goals in both matches
- Brennan Johnson and Nico Williams as anytime scorers
We encourage all our readers to dive into the full article for detailed analysis, stats-backed picks, and a clearer picture of how each team might line up for the occasion.
At America Bet, we’re dedicated to helping you bet smarter with expert-backed predictions and unrivalled football insight. Whether you’re tracking form, scouting betting trends, or simply looking to enjoy the games with a bit more knowledge under your belt, our previews deliver every step of the way.
Thursday night promises high drama across Europe—and we’ll be watching every kick, tackle, and goal. Make sure you’re ready for it all with the latest betting intelligence from America Bet.
