Basel and Nice both kicked off their European campaign in the playoff round this season, meaning that both wouldn’t have expected to reach this late stage. However, it could be a thrilling fixture between the Swiss and French sides in this first leg meeting on Thursday.
Europa Conference League Preview
It has been a very challenging campaign for Basel, but they could take solace from their excellent run in the Europa Conference League this term. The Swiss side entered the competition in the second qualifying round, before seeing off Crusaders, Brondby, and CSKA Sofia to book their place in the group stage. Basel was excellent throughout their group campaign, as they registered three wins from six matches, and suffered just a single defeat.
Since then, they have impressed in the knockout stage. Basel eliminated Trabzonspor in the playoff round, recording a 2-0 second leg win to progress 2-1 on aggregate. However, they needed their fair share of luck in the previous round, as they needed a penalty shootout to see off Slovan Bratislava after the sides were locked level at 4-4 after the two legs.
Nice also entered the competition in the playoff round, where they managed to book their spot in the group stage after recording a 2-1 aggregate win. They didn’t face nearly as many issues in the group stage, as they topped Group D after winning two and losing just one of their six matches.
In the previous round of the competition, Nice managed to see off Sheriff to reach the last eight. They battled well throughout the two matches against the Moldovan side, and eventually secured a 4-1 aggregate win after landing a 3-1 home success in the return match between the sides.
Basel vs Nice Head to Head
This will be the first meeting between these sides in a competitive fixture. It will be quickly followed by the return leg, which will take place on Thursday, April 20, in Nice.
Basel vs Nice Prediction
Cases can be made for both sides in this last eight showdown of the Europa Conference League. However, we have more confidence in the Nice forwards to fire their side to a first leg advantage on Thursday evening. We could see them picking up a 2-0 away win in Switzerland.
Make sure to be on Basel vs Nice with 22Bet!
