Sporting Lisbon will do their best to prevent all-Spanish Europa League final, but the Lions clearly face a difficult task against high-flying Athletic Bilbao.

After the club chiefs got tired of watching Porto and Benfica win all domestic honours, they decided to splash the cash last summer and managed to create a high-quality squad.

Despite playing really well at the start to the season, the Lions weren’t able to stay in the race for the league title, but they largely impressed in the Europa League.

While their aggregate wins over Legia Warszawa and Metalist Kharkiv were hardly a surprise, the Lion produced quite a coup by eliminating title contenders Manchester City and we can safely say they fully deserved to reach the closing stages of the competition.

Sa Pinto’s side have become a real force to be reckoned with at their Joao Alvalade and after wining last eight games there, they are 2.70 (17/10) with William Hill to make it nine in a row.

Jeffren Suarez, Fabian Rinaudo and Alberto Rodriguez remain sidelined, while Bruno Pereirinha and Oguchi Onyewu have resumed light training, but are not yet ready to feature.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Patricio – Pereira, Polga, Xandao, Insua – Martins, Schaars – Fernandez, Izmailov, Capel – Van Wolfswinkel.

Considering their showings against Manchester United and Schalke, Athletic Bilbao have got to be considered favourites for the trophy, even if there are three high-quality teams also left in the competition.

Los Leones have been showing a real class from the very start to the season and they are on the road to turn this season into one of the most successful in their recent history.

While showing a lot of promise on domestic stage, Marcelo Bielsa’s side appeared to have saved the best for their European campaign and they look determined to go all the way.

Bet365 believes Athletic can lift the coveted trophy and pay 2.63 (13/8) on Athletic, whereas Sporting are no less than 7.50 (13/2) with Sportingbet.

Iker Muniain returns after missing the Mallorca clash through an eye injury, whereas Carlos Gurpegui is back following a six-month spell on the sidelines. Javi Martinez has traveled with the squad, but he is suspended for the first leg.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Iraizoz – Iraola, Ekiza, Amorebieta, Aurtenetxe – Herrera, Iturraspe, De Marcos – Susaeta, Llorente, Muniain.