European champions Chelsea travel to St. Jakob-Park to do battle with hosts Basel in what has the potential to be a highly-entertaining Europa League semi-final opening leg in Switzerland on Thursday.
The Blues know that they are just a step away from reaching the final, and for this reason will play their hearts out in order to pick up the best possible result to take to Stamford Bridge for the return leg of the semi-final next week.
Chelsea have met Swiss opponents just once before, when they lost to St Gallen in the first round of the 2000-01 UEFA Cup, but will be hoping to put on a good show at St. Jakob-Park as they look ahead to a possible final appearance.
Rafael Benitez, the coach of Chelsea, will be delighted by the fact that both Ashley Cole and Gary Cahill have recovered from injury in time for the clash, and will reinforce a backline that conceded a 95th minute equalizer from Luis Suarez for a 2-2 draw with Liverpool on the weekend.
Marko Marin failed to make the squad for the trip to Anfield, but has since recovered from injury and could possibly earn himself a place in the Chelsea starting line-up.
Rivals Basel head into the contest after having eliminated Tottenham Hotspur on penalties in the quarter-finals. The Swiss are unbeaten at home in the Europa League this season and will be looking to claim a convincing victory against Chelsea in front of their enthusiastic home fans.
Basel, who have not lost in their last four encounters against Premier League sides, have been one of the surprises of the competition and despite heading into the clash as the underdogs, will rate their chances of winning the game.
The Swiss have just one injury concern for the clash, with defender Philipp Degen in doubt due to muscular pain. Meanwhile, Argentine striker Raul Bobadilla is cup-tied, so Marco Streller will lead Basel's attack.
Basel's last four matches
Apr 21, 2013: FC Thun 2-2 Basel (Swiss League)
Apr 14, 2013: Basel 3-1 FC Zurich (Swiss League)
Apr 11, 2013: Basel 2-2 Tottenham (Europa League)
Apr 7, 2013: Sankt Gallen 1-1 Basel (Swiss League)
Chelsea's last four matches
Apr 21, 2013: Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea (English Premier League)
Apr 17, 2013: Fulham 0-3 Chelsea (English Premier League)
Apr 14, 2013: Chelsea 1-2 Manchester City (FA Cup)
Apr 11, 2013: Rubin Kazan 3-2 Chelsea (Europa League)
Facts
- Basel have won 12 of their last 14 games on home soil, and have only lost once all season.
- Chelsea have lost four of their last five European road trips, including defeats to Steaua Bucharest and Rubin Kazan.
