Sevilla striker Fernando Llorente will make an emotional return to Stadio San Mames as the La Liga rivals are set to square off in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals.

Los Rojiblancos will want to edge closer to winning the third straight title, whereas Athletic will see the competition as a possible shortcut to Champions League qualification.

Despite not exactly possessing a large enough squad, Athletic were determined to give their best in all the competitions entered, and that could prove to be a very good decision.

Los Leones may have been eliminated from Copa del Rey, but they are almost certain to secure European qualification through league finish, although they will probably not be able to catch fourth-placed Villarreal.

But, it is Athletic’s Europa League campaign that could prove decisive as they not only have an opportunity to lift the first major trophy since 1984, but also win their first ever European title.

Knowing that Europa League triumph also secures a place in the Champions League, los Leones will give their best to try and pip Sevilla to the semi-finals and they are priced at 2.20 (6/5) to win the first leg.

The hosts will have to make do without the suspended Raul Garcia, whereas Aymeric Laporte and Sabin Merino both miss out through injury.

It is important to note that Athletic are unbeaten in last seven Europa League matches at home (W5 D2), although Sevilla will be the strongest European opposition arriving at San Mames in some four years.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Iraizoz – De Marcos, Etxeita, Gurpegi, Balenziaga – San Jose, Benat – Susaeta, Williams, Sabin – Aduriz.

Sevilla have quickly become the most successful side in Europa League history, winning no fewer than four titles if we count the UEFA Cup trophies as well.

They are now after their third successive EL title and they will stand a very good chance of repeating the success if they can get past Athletic Bilbao.

Sevilla are going through a rough patch at the moment, with the 4-0 hammering at Santiago Bernabeu followed by the 2-1 home loss to Real Sociedad, while their shocking away form remains a major issue.

If we disregard the Copa del Rey matches, los Rojiblancos have failed to win any of 20 away games this term (D10 L10), meaning they face an uphill task at San Mames.

Yevhen Konoplyanka has returned into action after missing the Ukraine games and he is in contention to start.

Michael Krohn-Dehli has resumed training after recovering from injury, but Daniel Carrico faces a fitness test ahead of Bilbao trip.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Soria – Mariano, Rami, Kolodziejczak, Tremoulinas – Banega, Cristoforo – Reyes, Iborra, Krohn-Dehli – Llorente.