Tottenham and Manchester United are preparing for a defining moment in each of their seasons. Win, and there is the glory of a European trophy to celebrate with the fans, as well as a place in next year's Champions League; lose, and the consequences will be dire.
Ange Postecoglou probably knows that better than anyone else. It's been no secret that he has been under enormous pressure this season, and may not be in his post next season even if he does win against United in Bilbao.
Ruben Amorim, meanwhile, is also beginning to get his fair share of criticism after results in the Premier League have cratered, even with the caveat of taking over halfway through a poor season.
Both managers will be hoping to have their squads peaking at just the right time following some rotation over the last few weeks, but there are definitely some players who will not be able to take part at San Mames this week.
Tottenham will be missing a number of key players, unfortunately. Radu Dragusin, Timo Werner, Fraser Forster and Antonin Kinsky were never going to take part in this clash after not being included in the Europa League squad following the league stage, with Dragusin suffering a season-ending injury.
Kinsky came in as second-choice keeper in the winter transfer window, but Spurs could only make three changes to their squad, with Djed Spence, Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso the players added for the knockout rounds.
Elsewhere, injuries have been a huge issue in defence this season, but Spurs should have their first-choice stars available. But in midfield and attack is where they are currently struggling.
James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski have both had their seasons curtailed early due to injury over the last few weeks, with the Swedish star undergoing surgery already. Meanwhile, Lucas Bergvall looks to be unavailable as well, though he is apparently working hard on forcing his way back early.
Dane Scarlett has played his part in the Europa League already for Spurs this season, bagging a goal and assist in the win over Elfsborg in the league phase. However, Postecoglou confirmed last week that the young star had also undergone surgery after picking up a groin injury.
In terms of players who are doubtful but could make an appearance, Pape Matar Sarr could potentially take a place in the starting XI. The midfielder left the pitch early in Friday night's clash against Aston Villa, with Postecoglou stating after the game: "Pape felt something in his back, so we took him off as a bit of a precaution. I don’t think it’s anything too significant, speaking to him afterwards but he just felt something in his back."
Meanwhile, their opponents Manchester United could also be without some key stars. Lisandro Martinez and Joshua Zirkzee are both definitely out of the game with ACL and hamstring injuries respectively.
Matthijs de Ligt made a return from injury in the clash against Brentford two weeks ago, but left the field before half-time with a knee injury. The centre-back missed last week's open training session, and there are doubts over whether he will return for the final.
Leny Yoro missed a large part of the season with a broken foot, and seemed to be struggling with the same foot in the defeat against West Ham last weekend. He looks more likely than De Ligt to be able to play a part, though whether he comes back is currently unclear.
Amorim says that Diogo Dalot has been working hard to come back from a muscle injury suffered against Wolves in April, though the manager did state that he did not want to risk the wing-back suffering another injury after rushing back to fitness.
Jonny Evans has not played for United since December, and though he did train last week ahead of the Premier League clash against Chelsea he was not involved in the travelling squad for the match.