Basel desperately need a victory in their final Europa League fixture against Viktoria Plzen on Thursday, January 29.
The home side are currently two points adrift of the top 24 in the competition, and must secure maximum points if they are to continue their European journey this season.
The visitors are already guaranteed a place in the playoffs, largely thanks to their unbeaten run in the league phase of the competition.
Explore our Basel vs Viktoria Plzen betting tips below.
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Basel vs Viktoria Plzen prediction: Poor form cancels each other out
Key stats
- Basel have blanked in three of their previous six home games since November.
- Plzen are on a three-match winless run away from home.
- The visitors conceded only three goals so far, the joint-best defence in the UEL.
Correct score prediction: Basel 0-0 Viktoria Plzen
Goals have been difficult to come by for the home side in this competition, as they are averaging just over a goal per game. However, they could not find the net in 50% of their most recent six home fixtures. The visitors could only score two goals in their three UEFA Europa League matches, and they have an excellent defence. As a result, we could see a goalless stalemate at St. Jakob-Park.
Pre-game odds and win probability: The Swiss side favoured
- HOME: 19/20 (1.95) – 51.3%
- DRAW: 27/10 (3.70) – 27.0%
- AWAY: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Despite struggling for momentum and winning only two of their seven UEL games, bookmakers have Basel down as favourites to win this with a 51.3% chance. However, it must be noted that they were humbled last week, when Salzburg beat them 3-1. The away side have a 27.8% chance of winning in Switzerland, but a stalemate is not far off at 27%.
We have more free betting tips for today to help you out with the best possible selections.
Most recent H2Hs: Creating history
This will be these team’s first-ever competitive meeting, as they previously clashed in a club friendly back in 2018, which Plzen won. Basel have battled Czech opposition twice before, winning one and drawing one. The visitors managed to avoid defeat in their most recent three meetings with Swiss teams in European competitions, two of them ending in stalemates.
Basel preview: Kaio Eduardo in doubt
Basel’s manager, Ludovic Magnin, was sacked just days before this crucial fixture, and on top of that, forward Eduardo was taken off at the weekend after only 20 minutes due to an injury. Adding to the home side’s woes is the fact that Keigo Tsunemoto, Metinho and Moritz Broschinski will not be available for selection.
Predicted lineup: Hitz; Ruegg, Adjetey, Daniliuc, Schmid; Koindredi, Kacuri; Agbonifo, Shaqiri, Otele; Ajeti
Last five matches
- Zurich 3-4 Basel
- Salzburg 3-1 Basel
- Basel 1-1 Sion
- Basel 1-1 Servette
- Luzern 1-2 Basel
Viktoria Plzen preview: Vydra suspended
Matej Vydra must sit this one out, as he received his marching orders in Plzen’s previous outing against FC Porto. The visitors will also be sweating on the fitness of Christophe Kabongo, who went off injured in that clash with Porto. Prince Adu’s last 14 scoring appearances have seen Plzen win, so he will be crucial for the visitors.
Predicted lineup: Wiegele; Doski, Spacil, Souare; Memic, Valenta, Cerv, Visinsky; Ladra; Kabongo, Adu
Last five matches
- Plzen 1-1 Porto
- Plzen 2-0 Dukla Prague
- Panathinaikos 0-0 Plzen
- Slovacko 3-0 Plzen
- Plzen 2-1 Mlada Boleslav
Player to watch – Xherdan Shaqiri
The club captain will certainly be dangerous for the home side in this one. Shaqiri is coming off a hat-trick that he scored over the weekend, taking his goal tally to four in as many games recently. The 34-year-old has already scored three times in seven UEL appearances this season, and will likely be a threat for Basel.