Champions League Group A leaders Manchester United take on Basel in Switzerland next week, with Jose Mourinho’s men looking to confirm their qualification as group winners with a positive result. However, with their opponents sitting in second themselves, it could well be a tight affair at St. Jakob-Park.
Champions League – St. Jakob-Park, Basel – Wednesday 22nd November – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 12/5 at Skybet |
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FC Basel
Manchester UnitedMatch Preview
Basel host Manchester United in Switzerland next week, with both teams looking to confirm their place in the next stage of the Champions League. With Jose Mourinho’s men having already defeated the Swiss side at Old Trafford earlier on in the season, it is the Premier League side who are the favourites for victory with the majority of bookmakers. However, with Basel certain to be cheered on by a raucous crowd, it could well be tough evening for the visitors. For those still unsure of who to back at St. Jakob-Park, let’s take a closer look at the two teams, as well as providing our top betting tip ahead of kick-off.
Basel Team News & Form
Having won two of their four matches in Europe this season, Basel head into their tie with Manchester United hopeful of qualifying for the latter stages of the Champions League. Manager Raphaël Wicky has seen his side perform indifferently at the start of the season, winning just six of their opening 14 matches in the Swiss top flight. Defender Eder Balanta has impressed throughout the season for Basel however, with the Colombian international tasked with the job of keeping United’s attacking players quiet. Elsewhere, the likes of Taulant Xhaka and Michael Lang bring considerable experience to the side. Youngster Dimitri Oberlin will be hoping to use his considerable speed to help unlock their opponents defence, should he get an opportunity.
Manchester United Team News & Form
Despite having struggled domestically in recent weeks, losing to the likes of Huddersfield Town and Chelsea, United remain in a strong position in Europe thanks to two consecutive wins over Benfica. United have conceded just one goal from their four Champions League matches to date, with Mourinho’s men six points clear of Basel in the Group A standings. The Portuguese manager is likely to name a strong line-up in Switzerland, with Romelu Lukaku hoping to return to the scoresheet for United after starring for Belgium during the international break. The likes of Victor Lindelof and Ander Herrera will also be looking for rare starts for the visiting team.
Head to Head
The two teams have met five times in the past, with United having won two of such matches, as well as drawing one. Basel’s only victory came back in 2011, while the English giants won 3-0 at Old Trafford earlier this season.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite being the away team, it is Manchester United who are the favourites for victory with the majority of bookmakers. The visitors can be backed at odds of 19/20 at Skybet, while those looking to bet on a home win for Basel can take advantage of 16/5 odds with PaddyPower.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on both teams scoring during the 90 minutes, which is available at odds of 10/11 with Ladbrokes.