Slovan Bratislava vs Basel Prediction & Tips
Slovan Bratislava are enjoying a good run of form and find themselves at the top of the Fortuna Liga, Slovakia’s top division, having lost just twice all season (G8, E2). Their participation in all three UEFA club competition play-offs means they have already played a grueling 11 European matches this campaign, but they will need to keep working hard, as they are likely to need to win this game if they are to retain any hope of qualifying through this UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) group. This after picking up four points so far following their surprise 2-0 win at home to Basel last time out.
Echoes of last season’s failed attempt at the UECL group stage linger in Slovan’s mind, as although they ended up registering enough points to qualify from three of the eight overall groups, they ended up as the best third-placed team in the entire competition. However, they can aim for better this time around, especially if they can improve on their solid home record against Swiss opponents (G3, E1, P1) should they beat group leaders Basel.
Basel’s perfect start to this UECL group came to an abrupt halt when they lost to Slovan last week, and a 1-0 loss to Lugano over the weekend left them floundering in the bottom half of the Swiss Super League, as well as racking up more than three hours of play without being able to score a goal. Prior to this poor run, Basel had won five consecutive games and scored 3.0 goals per game, so their ability to break out of this slump should not be discounted.
A trip to Žalgiris in the second round saw Basel pick up only their second win in their last nine official away matches in European competitions (E3, P4), although Slovan is expected to represent a much more complex test for Alex Frei’s side. Still, Basel have never lost an away match in the UECL group stage (G2, E2) and will no doubt travel with hope heading into this match.
Players to watch: Slovan’s David Hrncar leads the way for the club in their domestic league, with all six of his goals since joining the club coming in wins by two goals or more. For Basel, Wouter Burger has picked up a staggering eight yellow cards in his last 14 appearances, but also scored four goals in that span.
Key stat: Basel have committed a competition-high 47 fouls, which contributes to their average of three yellow cards per game.
Slovan Bratislava – Basel FREE TIPS
BTS/YES @ 2.25
