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Recommended bets
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Match preview
These two teams actually met in this season’s group stages, but only one can take their place in the quarter-finals.
Back in October, ŠK Slovan Bratislava actually enjoyed a shock 2-0 victory in Switzerland before, two weeks later, they played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at Tehelné pole.
In Slovakia, Basel came from 3-1 down to snatch a point, but still ended up second by virtue of goal difference.
Will these two clubs serve up another enthralling contest?
Despite that aforementioned group stage defeat, FC Basel do come into this tie as favourites to advance.
After losing 1-0 in Türkiye, RotBlau managed to overcome Trabzonspor last month, thanks to goals from Zeki Amdouni and then Andi Zeqiri back at home.
However, domestically, they’re enduring a nightmare campaign, sat fifth, 18 points below leaders Young Boys, with Heiko Vogel still in interim charge after Alexander Frei was sacked last month.
So, ŠK Slovan Bratislava will fancy their chances of another victory in Northern Switzerland.
The Sky Blues lifted the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1969, beating Barcelona in the final, but have not won a European knockout phase tie since then.
These days, it’s just an achievement that Vladimír Weiss’ side have qualified for a group stage in three of the last four seasons.
This time round, including qualifiers, the Slovakian champions have lost just three of 14 European matches, so are dreaming of a record-breaking run.
Will there be a winner at St. Jakob-Park?
Basel team news
With Taulant Xhaka out injured, captain Fabian Frei will continue to be partnered by teenager Andy Diouf in midfield.
Brighton loanee Andi Zeqiri has scored 12 goals this season, including five in this competition.
Slovan Bratislava team news
Midfielder Jaba Kankava will miss this first leg suspended, having been booked three times during the group phase.
Tigran Barseghyan scored in Sunday’s 4-1 drubbing of Spartak Trnava, taking his tally to ten goals for the season.
Basel vs Slovan Bratislava: Head to head statistics
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