Europa League Play-Off Preview: Tromso - Athletic Bilbao

After a finely-balanced opening game, Tromso are favourites but will have it all to do against a physical Athletic outfit...

Aug 26, 2009 8:09:37 PM

More On :  Athletic Bilbao, Tromsø, Tromsø vs Athletic Bilbao
Yeste, Athletic Bilbao-Mallorca (MARCA)
Kick-Off: August 27, 2009. 19:00 CET
Alfheim, Tromso, Norway

Athletic Club had a sweet and sour first week to their official season as they set themselves up to earn a place in the Europa League while being soundly beaten by Barcelona.

The Basque Country club put their first round doubts behind them, after they had edged past Young Boys on away goals, to secure a 3-2 win against Tromso last week.
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A battling performance saw Joaquin Caparros' side come from behind twice to win the game in San Mames and they were hailed for their spirit after such an exciting game.

There was to be no comeback in Camp Nou on Sunday however as Athletic were defeated 3-0 by the European champions and once again their credentials were called into question.

Whether Los Leones can now produce the performance required in Norway will be down to desire and fitness as they face a tough task only days before the league season begins.

Tromso are halfway through their domestic campaign, having played 21 matches, and they have not impressed this term and are in mid-table and a long way off the pace-setters.

Athletic view a place in Europe as a big step up and would relish the income that a place in the group stages would bring, but their defence will have to improve.

The two goals that Tromso scored last week, along with Barcelona's three, showed that while the physical challenge up front may function, teams are no longer worried by Athletic at the other end.


FORM GUIDE

Tromso

Aug 23 - Odd Grenland 1-0 Tromso (League)
Aug 20 - Athletic 3-2 Tromso (EL)
Aug 15 - Tromso 0-0 Stabaek (League)
Aug 09 - Valerenga 4-3 Tromso (Cup)
Aug 06 - Slaven Koprivnica 0-2 Tromso (EL)

Athletic Bilbao

Aug 20 - Athletic 3-2 Tromso (EL)
Aug 16 - Athletic 1-2 Barcelona (Spanish Super Cup 1L)
Aug 12 - Sporting 2-0 Athletic (Friendly)
Aug 6  - Young Boys 1-2 Athletic (EL)
Jul 30 - Athletic 0-1 Young Boys (EL)


TEAM NEWS

Tromso

The home side are expected to name a strong team with Sigurd Rushfeldt and Morten Moldskred again playing up front, while Joel Lindpere will play in a four-man midfield just behind as coach Per-Mathias Hogmo chooses an attacking line-up.

Possible Starting XI: Ramovic; Hogli, Tore Reginiussen, Koppinen, Larsen; Knudsen, Knarvik, Jenssen, Lindpere; Moldskred, Rushfeldt

Athletic Bilbao

Pablo Orbaiz has not travelled after suffering a knock against Barca, while David Lopez, Muniain, Igor Gabilondo and Diaz de Cerio are all out too. Three of the 20-man squad chosen by Caparros are goalkeepers as Iraizoz is joined by Armando and Iago in Norway.

Possible Starting XI: Iraizoz; Iraola, Ocio, Amorebieta, Castillo; Susaeta, Javi Martínez, Yeste, Muniain; De Marcos, Llorente.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Tromso

In the centre of midfield Tromso will look to Joel Lindpere as one player who could help organise and find a way through a defensive unit that will be well-manned, much like it was in Camp Nou. The Estonian scored in San Mames and will be asked to repeat the trick this time around.

Athletic Bilbao

Fernando Llorente will be a key player in what will certainly be a rough and tumble outing in Norway. His height and physique could cause the hosts problems and given Athletic the outlet that they will require when under pressure.


PREDICTION

Athletic have had a tough week but they will recognise how important this one last push could be for the club as qualification for Europe would bring a renewed feel-good factor. It will be hard-fought and gritty, but the visitors could just go through.

Tromso 2-2 Athletic Club

Lucas Brown, Goal.com
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