Prediction: Fiorentina vs Basel

Prediction: Fiorentina win

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: 888sport

We’re back with another slate of European fixtures this week and while the focus may be on the Champions League, the semi-final stage is upon us in the other two prominent competitions too. That includes the UEFA Europa Conference League, which has given a host of teams a chance to shine on the big stage – which includes Fiorentina and Basel, who will collide in their first leg affair on Thursday.

Fiorentina

After years of failing to live up to their fans’ expectations, Fiorentina have been a bit more consistent so far this season. In addition to looking solid in Serie A, they’ve also been able to reach the final of the Coppa Italia. Plus, this is the best they’ve looked in European competition for a long time, which is why many have them down as the favourites to go all the way and actually claim the trophy.

Basel

For whatever reason, Basel always seem to show up when it comes to Europe. The Swiss stars have picked up some big scalps over the years and even though the Conference League isn’t where they want to be, they’ve done a good job of making it their own. Sure, their league campaign has been a failure by their own standards, but they could make a lot of fans forget about that by reaching the final here.

Factors to Consider

• Fiorentina beat Poznan 6-4 on aggregate in the last round whereas Basel beat Nice 4-3 on aggregate.
• Fiorentina have won one, drawn two and lost three of their last six games.
• Basel have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Fiorentina have scored 12 goals and conceded 10 in their last six games.
• Basel have scored nine goals and conceded eight in their last six games.

Conclusion

One thing you have to consider in a game like this is the quality of opposition that both teams play from week to week. Fiorentina, naturally, are in a much harder league, and they’ve been coping pretty well with it. While that isn’t our only criteria for deciding the winner, we certainly think they’re a better team from head to toe – which is why we’re going to predict that the Italians will edge out a narrow win.

Prediction: Fiorentina win

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: 888sport