Manchester United vs. Athletic Bilbao: Predicting United's Starting Lineup

The Europa League is up and running again and the next obstacle for Manchester United is Spanish La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao.

Fresh from a clinical 3-1 victory over third place Tottenham Hotspur in the Barclays Premier League, United will be hoping for a similar performance when they host the visiting Spanish side at Old Trafford.

Here's are my predictions for United's starting lineup against Bilbao.

Defense

GK: David de Gea

David de Gea has been one of United's best players in the last few weeks and it's unlikely Ben Amos will be selected ahead of him.

LB: Patrice Evra

Patrice Evra's performances have improved of late, but he is still prone to an error or two. Nevertheless, I expect him to again deputize as captain in Nemanja Vidic's absence.

RB: Rafael da Silva

It's astonishing that Sir Alex Ferguson chooses to forego playing his natural right-back in place of center-backs like Phil Jones and Chris Smalling. That being said, I expect Rafael to make a return to first-team affairs.

CB: Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand had a great shout for the Man of the Match award against Tottenham Hotspur and has been in form of late. If Sir Alex thinks to rest him, Chris Smalling may be the one to take his place.

CB: Jonny Evans

Assuming Sir Alex chooses to not stick with his first choice center-back partnership of Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand, I'd pick Evans to make the cut.

Midfield

LM: Ashley Young

Why not?

RM: Luis Nani

Why not?

CM: Anderson

Anderson didn't make an appearance in United's last league game against Spurs, but the Brazilian is fit and ready to begin playing again. I can see Sir Alex giving Paul Scholes a rest and that opens the door for Anderson to make a return.

CM: Michael Carrick

Carrick has been instrumental for United in their last few weeks and should start against Bilbao.

Attack

Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney didn't have his best game against Tottenham, but the England striker managed to bag the vital opening goal for United. I expect him to start against Bilbao.

Javier Hernandez

This game has Chicarito written all over it and with Danny Welbeck's goals drying up somewhat, this is the perfect time to bring in the "little pea".