20th Aug. UEFA Champions League - Basel VS FC Copenhagen Prediction
UEFA Champions League - Basel VS FC Copenhagen
Match Time:21-08-2025 03:00 Thursday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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FC Basel 1893
FC Basel, coached by Joël Magnin, enters the play-off round directly as Swiss Super League champions, having won the title in 2024/25. Their recent form includes two wins, one draw, and two losses in five competitive matches, averaging 1.6 goals scored and 1.4 conceded. A 6-1 Swiss Cup win over Biel-Bienne is offset by a 2-1 league loss to Young Boys on August 16, 2025. Key players include Xherdan Shaqiri (2 goals in league), Thierno Barry, and Albian Ajeti, with a probable 4-2-3-1 lineup: Hitz; Klemens, Adjei, Barisic, Schmid; Frei, Xhaka; Shaqiri, Avdullahu, Kade; Barry. Strengths include their home record (2 wins in 3 home games) and attacking potential, but injuries to Kevin Rüegg (syndesmosis ligament tear) and Finn van Breemen (meniscus) plus defensive issues (conceded in all 5 games) are concerns. They aim to leverage their home advantage to take a lead into the second leg in Copenhagen.
F.C. Copenhagen
F.C. Copenhagen, led by Jacob Neestrup, advanced past Malmö FF with a 5-0 aggregate win (3-0, 2-0) in the third qualifying round on August 12, 2025. Their recent form shows four wins and one loss in five competitive matches, averaging 2.2 goals scored and 0.6 conceded. They won 2-1 at Viborg in the Danish Superliga on August 18, 2025. Key players include Mohamed Elyounoussi (3 assists, 1 goal in UCL qualifiers), Orri Óskarsson, and Marcos López, with a probable 4-3-3 lineup: Trott; Ankersen, Vavro, Diks, Huescas; Lerager, Falk, Hojer; Elyounoussi, Óskarsson, Achouri. Strengths include their defensive solidity (4 clean sheets in 5 games) and UCL qualifying form (no goals conceded in 4 matches), but injuries to Thomas Delaney (unknown), Elias Achouri (hamstring, doubtful), and Oliver Højer (post-surgery) are issues. They aim to maintain their defensive record and secure a result ahead of the second leg on August 27, 2025.
Head-to-Head
Basel and Copenhagen have met three times in UEFA competitions. Copenhagen won 2-1 in the 2006/07 UEFA Cup group stage, and they drew twice (0-0 in 2005/06 UEFA Cup, 1-1 in 2010/11 Europa League). Matches average 1.3 goals, with 33% over 2.5 goals and 33% both teams scoring (BTTS). Copenhagen are unbeaten against Basel (1 win, 2 draws), with no away loss at St. Jakob-Park.
Predicted Score: FC Basel 1-1 F.C. Copenhagen
Basel’s Shaqiri and Barry face Copenhagen’s Elyounoussi and Óskarsson, with Basel’s home strength tested by Copenhagen’s defensive resilience and H2H edge. Copenhagen are slight favorites (2.20 odds, 45% win probability) over Basel (3.00), with a draw at 3.40. Trends (Basel: 100% BTTS in 5 games; Copenhagen: 80% under 2.5 goals) and H2H suggest a low-scoring game, with betting tips favoring Copenhagen Draw No Bet (1.65) and under 2.5 goals (1.80). Cards may be issued in the 20°C evening, with Basel’s 11 fouls and Copenhagen’s 10 per game suggesting 3-4 cards. Basel aim for a first-leg lead, while Copenhagen seek to extend their clean-sheet streak. The winner advances to the UCL league phase; the loser enters the Europa League. Basel may score through Shaqiri, with Óskarsson possibly netting for Copenhagen. Basel’s home form balances Copenhagen’s defensive solidity, leading to a draw that keeps the tie open for the second leg, reflecting their low-scoring H2H trend.
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