UEFA Champions League Preview: FC Basel vs. Benfica
FC Basel host http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jorge-c19120 Jesus’ Benfica at St Jakob-Park on the 18th of October. The in-form Reds have a great record against Swiss opposition and they will be looking to do the same in their UEFA Champions League tie.
Benfica:
The Portuguese giants currently lie on top of the Portuguese Primeira Liga and are also on a great run of form.
Jorge Jesus’ men were able to record a narrow win over Otelul Galati in their last UEFA Champions League game and will again be seeking victory in Switzerland.
Benfica also countered the threat of Portimonense in the Portuguese Cup on Saturday comfortably, with goals from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Rodrigo-c31437.
However despite their good winning streak they face a tough task against FC Basel, who were able to draw 3-3 with Manchester United in their last European encounter.
FC Basel:
The Swiss League outfit have been in decent enough form in domestic affairs, but what really made the headlines was their sensational 3-3 draw at Old Trafford.
Against Sir http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alex-c4752 Ferguson’s men, Basel displayed nerve and went on an all out attack to gain three points. Their efforts nearly paid-off and the club were on the brink of recording an amazing win, however Ashley Young’s late header crashed all hopes of causing a major shock.
Now playing at home against Benfica, they will be looking to replicate their earlier feats and claim maximum points.
Team News:
Benfica:
Although a trip to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Switzerland-c3016 is not the ideal mid-week remedy to remain fresh, Benfica can relish the fact that the majority of their star players are going to be fit for the game.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Pablo-Aimar-c28938 was facing a late fitness test, but the former Real Zaragoza man has overcome his injury concerns to be fit for the key clash. Javi Garcia has also been included in the coach’s plans, but as the midfielder has been missing for some matches, he might not be fielded in the starting eleven.
Up front, mercurial attacker http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Axel-Witsel-c7029, Nolito and Nicolas Gaitan will retain their places in midfield.
At the back, influential skipper, Luisao will partner http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Emerson-c12442.
Boosted with the benefits of a fully-fit squad, the optimism in the Benfica camp is high, with Nolito claiming that nothing other than three points will do.
"In Basel, we will play to gain the three points, as the winner of the game will be well placed to top the group. A tie will not be a bad result, but we must always think to win in the first place. We will look to score goals and win,” the former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 man said.
FC Basel:
The return of Xherdan Shaqiri will be one of the biggest positives, new trainer Heiko Vogel can look forward to. The Swiss International has so far been unable to feature for the side, but his return will be a warm welcome for the club faithful and coaching staff alike.
Defensive midfielder, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Benjamin-Huggel-c7489, will also make his comeback for Basel. The former Eintracht Frankfurt man was serving a one-match ban for a red card, but is back in the team for the visit of Benfica.
Other than that, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Basel-c39079 have no immediate injury worries and go into the game with full-strength.
Key Players:
Benfica: Oscar Cardozo
The diminutive front-man is probably the most potent attacking weapon Benfica possess. With his scintillating skills and uncanny ability to find the back of the net, he will be a thorn in the FC Basel back-line for the whole ninety minutes.
FC Basel: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Xherdan-Shaqiri-c37074
Making his bow in the competition after a lengthy lay-off, Shaqiri will be looking to replicate his playmaking feats, which have earned him a lot of accolades in the past months. With his name on the roster, the team will definitely stand a better chance of gaining a result.
Prediction:
FC Basel 1:2 Benfica
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