The knockout stage of the Europa League commences on Thursday and the outright market suggests it is a wide open heat.
Borussia Dortmund head all lists to lift the trophy in May and while Saint-Etienne and Baselare both considered outsiders, the pair meet in one of tonight’s more interesting matches.
The first leg takes place in France but the Swiss champions won’t be fazed by the trip across the border and I rate them excellent value to earn at least a share of the spoils to be in charge of the tie before the return.
Europa League quarter-finalists in 2014 when beaten by Valencia only on away goals, Basel boast a decent pedigree over the last decade and why they are outsiders I am not too sure.
Basel were beaten just once in six matches in the group stage, having surprisingly failed to get by Maccabi Tel Aviv in qualification for the Champions League, but is is their domestic form that is so impressive.
Sixteen wins in 20 matches, scoring 50 goals in the process, has seen Basel build up a 15-point advantage over their domestic rivals and there’s no doubt Urs Fischer’s men will be fully committed to the upcoming task in hand.
Three victories on the road, at Fiorentina, Lech Poznan and Belenenses in as many matches, were the foundation for progressing to this stage of the competition and Basel will have their sights set on an extended run.
I’m not underestimating the French side, fourth in Ligue 1 ahead of the upcoming clash, but they do struggle for goals and their home record in the Europa League is poor.
It is only four wins in front of their own fans in 11 matches and, at just 11/8 to establish a lead after 90 minutes, are taken on easily at the prices.
Saint-Etienne have failed to score more than once in each of their last five matches in Ligue 1 on home soil and, if that trend continues, I am confident a lay of the hosts will land a profit.
2pts Lay Saint-Etienne (vs. Basel) @ 2.30 (Betfair)