Basel look to continue their giant-killing run in the Europa League as they face a first leg at home against Chelsea in the semi-finals.
Basel vs. Chelsea, 2013 Europa League: Preview and TV Schedule
Basel look to continue their remarkable Europa League run as they face Chelsea in Switzerland in the first leg of the semi-final.
Julian Finney
The Swiss side knocked the Blues’ compatriots Tottenham out on penalties in the last leg, and have gone on a great run to give themselves a chance of what would be a remarkable triumph, although they face a Chelsea side that is beginning to at last show the consistency and efficiency that has been absent for much of the season (and led to them playing in the competition in the first place.)
Chelsea will also be boosted by the return of defensive duo Ashley Cole and Gary Cahill, and although they cannot afford to take their eyes off the Premier League, with Champions League qualification at stake, the Blues' defeat by Manchester City in the FA Cup Semi-Final leaves them with only the Europa League remaining as a chance for silverware, so there will be little question of a rested team or taking it easy.
Basel injuries and suspensions
In doubt: Philipp Degen (muscle)
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Oriol Romeu (knee)
Basel only have one real injury problem with Philipp Degen a doubt with a muscular problem.
Chelsea will be buoyed by the return of Gary Cahill and Ashley Cole, with Oscar also being passed fit to take part, leaving them with only long-term absentee Oriol Romeu on the injury list.
Match Date\Time: Thursday, 9:05 p.m. local, 8:05 p.m. BST, 3:05 p.m. ET
Venue: St. Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland
TV: FOX Soccer Channel (U.S. English), ESPN Deportes (U.S. Spanish), ITV1 (U.K.), Sportsnet Regional (Canada), RTS Sport (Switzerland)
Online: FOX Soccer 2Go (U.S.), ITV Streaming (U.K.), Sportsnet World Online (Canada)
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