Basel vs Zalgiris Prediction & Tips
Just three points separate Basel at the top of UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) Group H and bottom-placed Žalgiris ahead of Matchday 5. For Basel, the mission is relatively simple as they must win and with that they will secure their passage to the next round, but with just one win in their last six matches (E3, P2), that result is not assured and anything less could set up a nervy final day match against Pyunik.
The fact that Basel have failed to score in four of those six games must be a cause for concern for coach Alexander Frei, and goals were also few and far between in the reverse fixture between these sides, a game Frei’s side won by a single goal. Hope springs eternal at St. Jakob-Park, although that is backed up by 16 wins in their last 19 European home games, fueling the belief that a place in the knockout stages can be secured after the final whistle in this clash.
Despite being in the basement of the group, Žalgiris still harbors hopes of qualifying, although that could come to an end if they lose and Pyunik win three points against Slovan Bratislava. Having won five in a row in all competitions should boost their hopes of at least reaching the final matchday alive, with a 2-1 win over Pyunik in their most recent match in this competition now offering the chance to secure back-to-back UECL victories for the Lithuanian side for the first time.
However, the fact that they have to play this match in away condition makes achieving that feat a bit more complex, as Žalgiris have not won in their last four European away matches (E1, P3). Somewhat more complex is that they failed to score in any of those games, but having scored twice as many goals away from home as any other team in their domestic league this season, there is reason to believe Žalgiris could end that streak in this fixture.
Players to watch: Basel’s Andi Zeqiri scored the decisive goal in the reverse fixture between these two sides, and has also scored three of his last four goals during the second half. Donatas Kazlauskas may be the man to end Žalgiris’ European away goal drought after scoring in their last two away games.
Key stat: None of Basel’s last 31 European home games have ended in draws.
Basel – Zalgiris FREE TIPS
Basel – Win @ 1.45
