On Thursday, Basel will host FCSB in an important Europa League clash at St. Jakob-Park. This match is part of the fourth matchday in the league phase, and both teams will be looking to improve their standing.
Basel’s Europa League Journey
Currently, Basel sits in the playoff spot with three points after three games. Their journey has been inconsistent, marked by one victory and two losses. The Swiss team started the campaign with a 2-1 defeat at Freiburg, followed by a 2-0 win against Stuttgart. However, another setback came with a 2-0 loss to Lyon.
Recent Performance
At home, Basel has been strong. They have won their last three matches across all competitions, scoring seven goals while maintaining clean sheets. Nonetheless, their overall form has been shaky, with just one win in their last four matches.
Head-to-Head Records
- Basel and FCSB have met twice previously, both in the 2013 Champions League.
- Both encounters ended in 1-1 draws.
FCSB’s Current Form
FCSB is positioned lower in the standings with one point from three matches. Despite this, the Romanian side has recently enjoyed domestic success. They achieved a 2-0 victory over Universitatea Cluj, their third consecutive win in the league. During this span, they scored seven goals and conceded only once.
Challenges in the Europa League
In the European competition, FCSB has struggled. They suffered a 2-0 defeat against Young Boys and a 2-1 loss to Bologna. Historically, FCSB performs better away, exemplified by their 1-0 win against Go Ahead Eagles in the previous rounds.
Team News and Lineups
Basel is nearly at full strength, with only right-back Keigo Tsunemoto sidelined due to a muscle injury. Expected to start are captain Xherdan Shaqiri, along with Albian Ajeti and Philip Otele in attacking positions.
Possible Basel Starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Hitz
- Defenders: Vouilloz, Barisic, Daniliuc, Schmid
- Midfielders: Metinho, Leroy
- Forwards: Soticek, Shaqiri, Otele, Ajeti
FCSB, however, faces challenges in defense due to injuries. Mihai Popescu is out with a knee injury, while Ionut Cercel is ineligible for this match. Mihai Lixandru is set to continue in defense, supported by Siyabonga Ngezana.
Possible FCSB Starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Tarnovanu
- Defenders: Pantea, Ngezana, Lixandru, Radunovic
- Midfielders: Alhassan, Sut
- Forwards: Cisotti, Tanase, Olaru, Birligea
Match Prediction
The match promises to be competitive. Basel’s home advantage and recent form may give them the edge. However, given their inconsistent track record and FCSB’s potential to surprise, a 1-1 draw is a plausible outcome.
