FC Basel vs FK Zalgiris Match Analysis and Prediction

3 years ago 708

FC Basel will be looking to qualify for the knockout stage when they host FK Zalgiris on Thursday, with the two teams at the opposite ends of the Europa Conference League Group H.

On the other hand, a defeat here would bring an end to the European adventure of the visitors, making this a must-not-lose game for them.

Basel have suffered just one defeat in their four Europa Conference League matches so far, which came in a 2-0 loss to Slovan Bratislava, the first time they have not scored in a game in this competition.

They managed to make up for that in the following game as they scored three times, with Darian Males, Andi Zeqiri and Andy Diouf all getting on the scoresheet.

Despite an impressive attacking display they showcased on that occasion, Basel were once again made to drop points by Slovan Bratislava, with the game ending in a 3-3 draw.

Meanwhile, FK Zalgiris will be just as desperate to get three points on Thursday as that will keep them in contention for progression heading into the final game week.

A draw has the ability to make that happen, but there is no doubt that the visitors are heading into the contest to try and get all three points.

Zalgiris should bring some confidence into Thursday’s contest considering the fact they got their first win of the competition during their most recent game.

Vladimir Cheburin saw his side claim a 2-1 victory over FC Pyunik as Fabien Ourega and Renan Oliveira found the back of the net to keep their hopes of qualification to the knockout rounds alive.

However, those were the first two goals that Zalgiris have scored in the Europa Conference League, which is an issue that they must solve in the final two matches of the group.

FC Basel vs FK Zalgiris head to head

These two teams have previously met on just one occasion in the Europa Conference League on September 15, where Basel claimed a 1-0 away victory.

Zalgiris 0-1 Basel 15/09/22

FC Basel latest home form

FC Basel have recently been on a relatively good run of form at home, having lost just one of their seven most recent matches. They managed to defeat Winterthur 3-1 in their last home game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored 11 goals and conceded six.

Basel 5-1 Grasshopper 11/09/22

Basel 3-2 St. Gallen 01/10/22

Basel 0-2 Slovan Bratislava 06/10/22

Basel 0-0 Zurich 20/10/22

Basel 3-1 Winterthur 23/10/22

FC Basel latest away form

FC Basel have recently been on a relatively good run of form on the road, having lost just one of their five most recent matches. They drew 0-0 with Servette in their last away game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored seven goals and conceded five.

Zalgiris 0-1 Basel 15/09/22

Aarau 1-3(E) Basel 18/09/22

Lugano 1-0 Basel 09/10/22

Slovan Bratislava 3-3 Basel 13/10/22

Servette 0-0 Basel 16/10/22

FK Zalgiris latest home form

FK Zalgiris have recently been on a good run of form at home, having won each of their five most recent matches. They managed to defeat Hegelmann Litauen 2-1 in their last home game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored nine goals and conceded four.

Zalgiris 1-0 Suduva 27/09/22

Zalgiris (E)2-1 Kauno Zalgiris 01/10/22

Zalgiris 2-1 Pyunik 13/10/22

Zalgiris (E)2-1 Hegelmann Litauen 16/10/22

Zalgiris 2-1 Hegelmann Litauen 23/10/22

FK Zalgiris latest away form

FK Zalgiris have recently been on a relatively good run of form on the road, having lost just one of their seven most recent matches. They defeated Panevezys 1-0 in their last away game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored seven goals and conceded two.

Slovan Bratislava 0-0 Zalgiris 08/09/22

Kauno Zalgiris 0-2 Zalgiris 11/09/22

Pyunik 2-0 Zalgiris 06/10/22

Jonava 0-4 Zalgiris 09/10/22

Panevezys 0-1 Zalgiris 19/10/22

FC Basel news

Arnau Comas scored twice from the back in Basel’s most recent game, and that addition of attacking quality from the defensive line could be helpful on Thursday.

Kasim Adams could also make his return to the starting lineup here after he missed out for their previous game due to suspension.

FK Zalgiris news

Coming off the back of their first win in this competition this season, Zalgiris could end up selecting a similar starting lineup for this contest.

The 4-4-2 formation worked well for them in that particular game, providing structure both defensively and offensively, which will be crucial against the group leaders.

Prediction and Odds

Zalgiris have struggled for goals in this competition so far this season, scoring in just one of their four matches, which could be an issue against the current group leaders.

Basel have the chance to guarantee their qualification to the next stage with a win here, and they will be certain of that at home.

Odds: 1 1.82 X 2.05 2 2.78