Gary Pallister names Europa League team with ‘unfair advantage’ in trophy hunt
Man Utd and Spurs are back in action on Thursday.
Gary Pallister feels one of the four Europa League teams left standing have an ‘unfair advantage’ ahead of the semi-final second legs tomorrow.
Manchester United host Spanish side Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford with a 3-0 lead on Thursday following their first meeting at San Mames Stadium.
Fellow Premier League club Tottenham are also in Europa League action against Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt, looking to protect a 3-1 lead.
With United, Spurs, Bilbao and Bodo/Glimt all locked in a trophy hunt, former Red Devils defender Pallister feels one side have an upper hand…
Gary Pallister fires warning to Tottenham about Bodo/Glimt’s pitch
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Spurs face Bodo/Glimt away at Aspmyra Stadion in the second leg, with the Norwegian side playing their home matches on an artificial surface.
Pallister has exclusively told Metro that it gives Bodo/Glimt a significant edge as they look to turn things around against Ange Postecoglou’s side.
‘They (Spurs) have got to play on this plastic pitch,’ Pallister said via William Hill Vegas. ‘That’s a huge advantage for Bodo/Glimt.
‘Scoring that goal after being 3-0 down (in the first leg) would have given them a bit of belief as well.
‘If Spurs concede a goal early (in the second leg), it’s going to be backs against the wall.
‘I saw Bodo/Glimt play at Old Trafford earlier in the season and they gave us a run for our money. On their own pitch it’s a different kind of football.
‘Tottenham won’t be used to that, Bodo/Glimt play on it every other week. So I think it’s an unfair advantage to be quite honest with plastic pitches.
‘Bodo/Glimt are no mugs. We’ve seen all season that Tottenham have a frailty. It’s not over that tie. They’ll be thinking they have a big chance.’
Gary Pallister warns Man Utd over ‘physical’ Athletic Bilbao star
Turning his attentions to the other Europa League semi-final clash between United and Bilbao, Pallister has warned his old club about Nico Williams.
‘He upset a few people with his “robust play” should we call it,’ Pallister said about Williams’ performance in the first leg.
‘He made his presence felt. He’ll need to have a big game at Old Trafford (in the second leg).
‘I think Harry Maguire is going to play in the middle and that’s going to be a real physical tussle with him.
‘Looking at him (Williams), he’s a player you don’t like to play against because he is so physical.
‘He’ll try to get under your skin, he’ll try to rile you up and upset you. You saw what he was like in the home game – tyring to get people sent off. So I expect more of the same. I hope the referee keeps on top of it all so we see a fair game… and hopefully a United win!’
