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Athletic Bilbao players celebrate victory on the pitch after the match Neal Simpson/EMPICS Sport
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The Morning Score: Friday

All you need to know by 9AM, except what that weird dream was all about.

IT’S FRIDAY, THERE’S a whole weekend of sport out there just waiting to be revelled in. Let’s do this.

1. #EUROPA LEAGUE It was a pretty bad night for both Manchester clubs in Thursday night action.

Manchester City will not face too many recriminations after they went down by a single goal to nil against Sporting Lisbon in Portugal. Robert Mancini will expect to overturn that score in Manchester next week.

However, Manchester United were outclassed for long periods during their 3-2 home defeat to Athletic Bilbao. A brace from wayne Rooney included a late penalty. That is the only thing giving United hope for a win in the return trip to the Basque country.

2. #AIRTRICITY LEAGUE 10 teams are in action tonight as the league warms up into it’s second week. Shelbourne’s trip to Dalymount Park is the pick of the games.

Roddy Collins will take his newly promoted Monaghan United side to Tallaght for the ultimate test against reigning champions, Shamrock Rovers.

3. #BLUE MONSTER The world number one was in action yesterday at the WGC Championship in Doral. Rory McIlroy struggle with his first 18 holes since winning the Honda Classic carding a one over par, 73.

It was an even more frustrating opening day for the other Northern Irish major winners, Graham McDowell a shot a three over par, 75, and Darren Clarke – one under par after 17 – hit the water twice to card a tripe bogey before finishing on 74.

4. #GAA The majority of this weekends action will take place on Sunday, including some mouthwatering clashes in the National Hurling League including: Dublin v Cork, Waterford v Kilkenny and Tipperary v Galway.

5. #SIXNATIONS The Scottish are coming. Declan Kidney was dealt with another injury blow ahead of tomorrow’s crucnh Six Nations clash in the Aviva with the news that Sean O’Brien’s foot infection has failed to clear.

Peter O’Mahony will win his first full cap. Still, we have the best backs in the world, according to Jamie heaslip.

6 #CHELTENHAM 2012 Trainer, Paul Nicholls will be keeping a very close eye on Kauto Star this weekend. The 12-year-old took a nasty fall two weeks ago, but will be taken on a public gallop later today.

A decision on Kauto Star’s participation in the Gold Cup will be made on Monday.

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