Despite their strong home results, Basel will host a formidable opponent in Aston Villa, who are among the leaders in the overall stage of the Europa League.
Basel 1893
Basel have recorded two wins in the Europa League – against Stuttgart (2:0) and FCSB (3:1). However, in the other three matches they lost to Genk (1:2), Olympique Lyonnais (0:2) and Freiburg (1:2). Overall, they have six points from five matches in the competition, with a goal difference of 7:7. In four of those five games, Basel conceded at least once. Their defence is clearly an issue, with only one clean sheet in their last seven matches in all competitions.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa come into this match in excellent form, with seven consecutive wins in all competitions, including a 2:1 victory over Arsenal. In the Europa League, they have taken 12 points from five matches with a goal difference of 8:3, and they have kept three clean sheets in those five games. Unai Emery has a strong squad that he can rotate without a significant drop in quality. Donyell Malen has been particularly impressive, scoring the winner against Young Boys (2:1) and finding the net against Maccabi Haifa (2:0).
Basel 1893 vs Aston Villa Prediction
Given Aston Villa’s superior form, experience and tactical quality, they look like the favourites for this match. Despite Basel’s strong home record, the visitors’ stability and versatility should be enough to secure an away win.
