Midweek preview: Will a Premier League team reach each European Final this season?

Rubin Amorim has a potential defensive issue to solve, as he sweats over the fitness of centre-back Matthijs de Ligt. Having just returned from a foot problem, the domineering Dutchman hobbled off with a knee injury during the first half of Sunday’s loss to Brentford. Amorim's Portuguese compatriot Diogo Dalot is unavailable for selection, while Lisandro Martínez won’t feature until next season.

Despite an eye-watering 16th Premier League defeat of the season at the Gtech Community Stadium, United remains unbeaten in Europe. Nevertheless, Bilbao will offer a stern test. Ahead of last week’s first leg encounter, Los Leones had only lost twice at the San Mamés throughout the 2024-25 campaign.   

Prediction: Manchester United comfortably progresses to the final, which will be hosted at the home of their semifinal opponents.

Bodø/Glimt vs. Tottenham Hotspur (Thursday, 3 p.m. ET)

Spurs seemed to be coasting through to a first major European final appearance since 2019 last Thursday evening, but a late Ulrik Saltnes strike changed the complexion of the tie. Now Ange Postecoglou’s men must protect a two-goal advantage at a venue that has caused headaches for several continental giants in recent years.  

Porto, Besiktas and Lazio have all suffered defeat at Bodø/Glimt's Aspmyra Stadion this term, failing to successfully navigate the plastic surface and wintry conditions that greeted them. Although the Lilywhites have only suffered two away defeats in the Europa League en route to the semifinal stage, a trip to the Arctic Circle provides an entirely different test. The visitors will also be conscious of their dismal domestic form, having not registered a league victory since overcoming rock-bottom Southampton at the beginning of last month.

At least the North Londoners are almost back to a full complement, having been riddled with injuries all season. James Maddison’s absence is inarguably a significant setback, but the return of Dominic Solanke could prove crucial. After finding their way onto the scoresheet, both players failed to complete the full ninety minutes last Thursday. Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall and Romanian defender Radu Drăgușin are set to miss the remainder of the campaign, while Son Heung-min could be back for Spurs’ next Premier League fixture.

Prediction: Spurs may concede a goal or two, but they will have enough to edge past their plucky opponents.

Chelsea vs. Djurgården (Thursday, 3 p.m. ET)

Chelsea have been virtually flawless in Europe this season, having lost just once in 11 Conference League outings. Last week’s 4-1 win in Stockholm leaves the Blues in a firm position, but a place in the final is not yet guaranteed.

A late header from teenage substitute Isak Alexander Alemayehu Mulugeta gives Djurgården hope, but even the most hopeful of visiting fans will expect to suffer elimination at Stamford Bridge. However, the Swedish outfit recovered to progress to the next round after losing the first leg of their Round of 16 and quarterfinal ties.

Long-term absentees David Datro Fofana, Aarón Anselmino and Omari Kellyman will miss Thursday’s clash, while Christopher Nkunku is still recovering from a knock. Marc Guiu is in contention to make the matchday squad, but is unlikely to feature in Enzo Maresca’s starting XI. In his last Conference League appearance, the Spanish centre-forward registered a first-half hat-trick, doubling his group stage goal tally.

Prediction: Chelsea to sail through to the Conference League final