Europa League
2013-04-25 - Basel vs Chelsea FC
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Football : Europa League Semi-finals (First Leg)
Venue: St Jakob-Park
Thursday 25th April 2013 – Kickoff time 21:05
Match Preview :
Basel welcome Chelsea for the first leg of the Europa League hoping to knock out another side from England after having beaten Tottenham in the previous round.
Chelsea will hope to avoid defeat and bring the game back to London for a positive result at home, something that has been a feature of their last two knockout ties.
In the last round, Chelsea progressed 5-4 on aggregate against Russian side Rubin Kazan, winning 3-1 at Stamford Bridge in the first leg, and losing 2-3 in the return match.
Chelsea goes into this match having lost twice in their last five games in all competitions. They are still competing for the Champions League position and are currently fourth in the Premiership.
Meanwhile, Swiss side Basel are in average form at the moment having won just once in their last five games in all competitions - drawing the other four games.
The quarter-final tie against English club Tottenham Hotspur was an entertaining affair, with both matches finishing in 2-2 draws, before Basel progressed via a penalty shootout.
Basel are still top of their domestic league with 57 points, three clear of nearest challenges Grasshopper.
Form:
Basel - D D D W D
Chelsea - W L L W D
Team News :
Basel Team News :
Basel have no new injury ahead of this match. However, Philipp Degen is still nursing a muscular injury. If he fails to recover in time then Arlind Ajeti could come into the side.
Meanwhile, Marco Streller is expected to lead the attack alongside Raul Bobadilla.
Chelsea Team News :
John Terry and Frank Lampard could get a recall into the starting lineup. However, Ashley Cole is expected to miss out.
Ramires could also start in place of Oscar, while Fernando Torres is expected to be named as the lone striker once again as Demba Ba is cup tied having played for Newcastle in the Europa League already this season.
Possible lineups
Basel : Sommer; Park, Schar, Sauro, Steinhofer; Stocker, Frei, Diaz, Degen; Streller, Bobadilla
Chelsea : Cech; Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Bertrand; Mikel, Lampard; Ramires, Hazard, Mata; Torres
Prediction:
Go for Chelsea to get the win and give the 1/4 ball away.
The Pick :
Basel 1-2 Chelsea
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Chelsea to win.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Go for Chelsea and give the 1/4 ball here. [Main Bet]
