Fernando Llorente of Bilbao celebrates scoring to make it 1-0 during the UEFA Europa League match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Athletic Bilbao looks to grab the lead in the chase for fourth place, while simultaneously putting Valencia's third place standing into doubt.
The race for fourth place in La Liga is absolutely insane. If Valencia isn't careful, it could become an insane race for third and fourth places. Los Che have only won once in their last four games, bringing their previously locked down third position into play. If Athletic Bilbao can defeat them at San Mames on Sunday, they will pull to within just four points of that third position.
Both Athletic and Valencia are coming off of big Europa League victories, and they appear to be the two biggest favorites to win that competition. They haven't always looked good in the league games after European matches, however, so neither is likely to be at their best at La Catedral.
Fernando Llorente is a doubt, and fellow striker Gaizka Toquero is suspended for Bilbao. Central defender Fernando Amorebieta is also suspended. Athletic has an otherwise clean bill of health and a full roster to pick from. Valencia have bigger problems, as their two top playmakers Ever Banega and Sergio Canales are still out with long-term injuries. Right back Miguel is also out, and defensive midfielder/central defender Hedwiges Maduro could make the bench after recovering from an injury.
Game Date/Time: Sunday, March 17, 3:00 p.m. ET, 8:00 p.m. local
Venue: San Mames, Bilbao, Spain
TV: GolTV (USA and Canada)
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