Basel vs. Fiorentina: Preview and betting tips

On Thursday, in addition to the Europa League, the Conference semifinals are scheduled. Basel will defend their one-goal lead from the opening game against Fiorentina at home. What to expect from the game in Switzerland?

Basel are having a very special season. They are struggling in the league, only sixth and four points behind in the European Cup. In the Conference League, they have progressed through Trabzonspor, Slovan Bratislava and Nice.

Even Florentina are not in a position to win the cups, they are nine points behind eighth place with three rounds to go. In the Conference League, it has sent Braga, Sivasspor and Lech Poznan out of the game since the group stage.

Basel’s key figures

The hosts have two offensive threats. Swiss international Andi Zeqiri has netted 17 goals and assisted twice.

Twenty-two-year-old compatriot Zeki Amdouni, also with national team experience, also scored 17 goals and assisted on four.

Fiorentina’s key figures

Arthur Cabral leads the visitors. The Brazilian striker boasts a 16+2 record, including eight strikes in cups. An offensive partner with Real Madrid experience, Luka Jovic has netted 11 goals and assisted on five others.

Betting tip

This could spell trouble for Basel, who have been waiting for a clean sheet for ten long games. It took a five-goal drubbing from St. Gallen at the weekend, and in the past 15 games it holds an average of two goals scored per game.

Fiorentina rely on a goal scoring attack, holding an average of two goals scored per game in their last ten games. Outside of the teams in the Top 7, which are a level above in quality and budget, it has the best attack in Serie A with 49 goals.

Considering Fiorentina’s offensive quality, its tough backbone, which it has already shown several times this season, and Basel’s shaky defensive performance, it can be assumed that the favorite will correct the hesitation from the first game and take the match to at least extra time.

Sources: UEFA, WhoScored