Europa League Preview: Chelsea vs Basel

Chelsea are entering the second leg of their Europa League semi-final knowing that a draw and even a narrow defeat 0-1 could be enough for them to progress to the final, as they secured a 2-1 victory over the Swiss side in the first leg.

Lifting Europa League trophy is the last chance for the Blues to save their controversial season, after they were eliminated from both domestic cups and missed out on the Premier League title. Despite Chelsea widely considered as favourites to progress, they must not be complacent as Basel demonstrated they are no pushovers by knocking out in-form Tottenham on their way to semi-final. The good news for Chelsea is Basel’s poor record of playing on the away ground: they are yet to secure a victory away from home in their current Europa League campaign.

Chelsea team news:

Ashley Cole is set to miss the game because of suspension, while Demba Ba is ineligible due to being cup-tied.

Rafa Benitez may be willing not to risk Bertrand, Luiz and Mikel who are on yellow card and could miss the final if they will be booked.
Ramires remains a major doubt after suffering a dead leg in latest Premier League win over Swansea.

Oriol Romeu is on team’s long-term injury list with a knee injury.

Basel team news:

The Swiss side’s hopes of reaching the final for the first time in the history have suffered a major blow with the news their star Marco Streller could be not fit enough to feature in the forthcoming game.

Besides Streller’s lack of fitness there are no serious injury concerns for Basel boss Murat Yakin.