Preview: Basel vs. FK Zalgiris - prediction, team news, lineups

A defeat would bring an end to the European adventure of the visitors, making this a must not lose encounter for them.

Match preview

Basel have lost just one of their four Europa Conference League games to this point, which came in a 2-0 loss against Slovan Bratislava, which was the first time that they have not scored in a match in this competition so far.

They more than made up for that in the following match as they scored three times, with Darian Males, Andi Zeqiri and Andy Diouf all getting on the scoresheet.

Despite that fantastic attacking display, Basel were once again made to drop points by Slovan Bratislava as the match ended in a 3-3 draw.

The group leaders now head into this match on the back of two games without a win in the competition, which is a run they will want to end immediately.

With a victory guaranteeing them a place in the knockout stage, Basel will likely be holding nothing back in this particular match.

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

A draw would also make that happen, but there is no doubt that the visitors are heading into this one to try and get the victory.

Zalgiris should bring some confidence into this game considering the fact they got their first win of the competition during their most recent outing.

Vladimir Cheburin saw his men defeat FC Pyunik by two goals to one as Fabien Ourega and Renan Oliveira found the back of the net to keep their hopes of qualification alive.

However, they were the first two goals that Zalgiris have scored in the Europa Conference League, which is a problem that they must solve in the final two matches.

Basel Europa Conference League form:

L

W

W

W

L

D

Basel form (all competitions):

L

L

D

D

D

W

FK Zalgiris Europa Conference League form:

D

L

L

W

FK Zalgiris form (all competitions):

L

D

D

L

L

W

Team News

Basel have seemingly solved their recent defensive frailties by only conceding once in their previous three league games, and the exact same defensive setup could be used again on Thursday to continue that.

Arnau Comas scored twice from the back in their most recent performance, and that addition of attacking quality from the defensive line could be helpful here.

Kasim Adams could also make his return to the starting lineup in this game after he missed out due to the fact he was suspended for their previous European fixture.

Coming off the back of their first victory in the competition this season, the visitors could end up displaying the exact same starting lineup.

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

Basel possible starting lineup:

Hitz; Lang, Comas, Kasim, Calafiori; Xhaka, Burger; Ndoye, Augustin, Millar; Zeqiri

FK Zalgiris possible starting lineup:

Gertmonas; Kashken, Mamic, Bopesu; Buff, Gorobsov, Milickovic, Ourega; Kyeremeh, Kazlauskas, Oliveira

We say: Basel 3-0 FK Zalgiris

FK Zalgiris have struggled for goals in the competition so far, scoring in just one of their four games which could be a problem against the current group leaders.

Basel have the chance to secure their qualification to the next round with a win in this match, and in front of their own fans that is something they will believe can happen.

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