Basel vs Crusaders Predictions

• There have been at least three goals scored in all of the hosts last five matches.
• There have been at least three goals scored in eight of the visitors previous nine games.
• Crusaders are without a clean sheet in eight consecutive fixtures.

Stark contrast in quality

In the first competitive meeting between these two outfits, FC Basel will take on Crusaders in the first leg of this qualifier for a spot in the Europa Conference League (UECL) next campaign.

Basel haven’t played too many competitive fixtures lately and have been focusing on building fitness during a run of friendlies. However, in their home matches recently they’ve still faced tougher sides than the opposition they welcome here on Wednesday night. Realistically, Basel are a class above Crusaders and anything but a victory will be seen as a huge disappointment.

The visitors squeezed past Magpies in the previous round of qualifying but this clash represents a different calibre of test. They’ve won just one of their last seven games inside the allotted ninety minutes and one of those fixtures saw them defeated 3-0 by a very ordinary St. Mirren side. It would be a huge shock if Crusaders left St. Jakob-Park with anything but defeat.

Hosts to put an end to the Crusaders hopes

We don’t give the visitors much chance and although Basel look quite shaky at the back, we just don’t see Crusaders causing much of a threat. We also think the hosts possess the quality to get this tie over and done with here and cover the goal line by themselves. Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score no is our play.