Tobol vs. Basel: Preview and betting tips

Last year they reached the semi-finals of the competition, now they are on the verge of elimination in the second round. The Basel footballers avert embarrassment against Tobol Kostonai and will make up for a two-goal deficit in Kazakhstan.

Tobol are enjoying their summer so far. It has won six of its last seven games, the last time it was Basel that was eliminated with two penalties. In the league, it’s not so great anymore, they are sixth after 15 games, three points behind the top four in the cup.

Basel were derailed by a loss to St. Gallen in their first league game, followed by a tragedy at home to Tobol. However, the Swiss team was ideally tuned for the rematch at the weekend, beating Winterhur 5:2.

Key figures of Tobol

The hosts rely on Serge Deblé, the experienced African striker is on six goals and four assists. Talented Kazakh winger Islam Chesnokov struck five times, adding four goal assists.

Basel’s key figures

Defensive midfielder Fabian Frei has been firing it up in the opening three games, with the team captain scoring three times. At the tip of the attack, they rely on Jean-Kevin Augustin, the French striker is on one hit so far.

Tobol are hard to beat at home, they have not lost here for seven games, on the other hand they have won only twice in cup competitions out of the last four home fixtures. The Kazakh league is simply not a real test.

Basel, on the other hand, proved to be the champion of away games last season. In the Conference League semi-finals it won at Fiorentina, and in the quarter-finals at Nice it advanced despite Slovan Bratislava thanks to a triumph on its field.

Considering Basel’s performance in Europe last year, full of turnovers and good outdoor performances, as well as their experience from similar matches, I think they will win at least in Kazakhstan.

Source: UEFA