Basel vs Eintracht Frankfurt Preview
The Europa League semifinalist last season, Eintracht Frankfurt, sees their campaign this year fade away. They were already defeated 0-3 at the first leg against Basel. Their chance to overturn their disadvantage this midweek is quite slim due to Basel’s three-goal lead and the fact that they will be playing away. However, considering Frankfurt’s more improved form after the restart, it is still quite possible to do so, at least forcing to end the match by penalties.
The teams’ latest news
Basel had a rather disappointing result last weekend while travelling to FC Thun’s home turf. They were held in a goalless draw by the host. Their unbeaten run in the last six games still endures.
Meanwhile, Frankfurt’s last competitive match was in June for the final round of Bundesliga when they thumped Paderborn 3-2. Sebastian Rode, Andre Silva and Bast Dost gave them the lead before Paderborn replied twice by Mohamed Drager and Sven Michel. Unfortunately, they could only finish on the ninth in the standings, which means there will not be any European fixture for them next season, if they fail here.
Possible tactic
The former Swiss international, Marcel Koller, tends to employ 4-2-3-1 formation with Arthur Cabral as the main forward, supported by Valentin Stocker, Samuele Campo and the Italian Raoul Petretta. In the midfield, Fabian Frei and Granit Xhaka’s brother, Thaulant is accompanying him to keep the balance between their defence and attack.
Adolf Hutter is likely to deploy 3-4-1-2 or 4-3-1-2 again so that he could maximise their strength on long balls with Flip Kostic and Timothy Chandler or Danny Da Costa as the key men plus playing Daichi Kamada behind the two strikers Bast Dost and Andre Silva. Hopefully they could help them score more goals, which they need it badly.
Players to watch
The Swiss side’s top performers this season are the wing back Silvan Widmer, Valentin Stocker, Raoul Petretta and the senior midfielder Fabian Frei. Another notable figure to watch is the 22-year old Brasilian forward, Arthur Cabral.
The Serbian international Filip Kostic has brought real threats for Frankfurt’s opponents this season with his powerful crossing and shots. He has scored four goals and provided eleven assists this season. Their attacking line, the Portuguese international Andre Silva and Bast Dost, has been deadly at the penalty box too. They both have netted twenty goals and made five assists altogether.
Basel vs Frankfurt Prediction
It is quite hard for Frankfurt to make a comeback, but Filip Kostic and Co have the potentials to do so. They will be focusing to score early and as many as possible to give pressure towards the host. Yet, not conceding any goals is also as important as scoring if Frankfurt aims to progress. Thus, once their defence is exposed, Basel could make use of it to extend their advantage. Adolf Hutter’s men might be able to win but not with three-goal difference so the home side still keeps their quarter final ticket.
Betting odds
It will definitely be a tight clash. Marcel Koller’s men’ odds to win are at 2.40, whereas Frankfurt is only backed to win at 2.75. The draw result is slightly lower at the value of 3.80.
