Chelsea are in pole position as they look to make the Europa League final going into the second leg against Basel with a 2-1 advantage from the first leg.
Chelsea vs. Basel, 2013 Europa League: Preview and TV Schedule
Chelsea hold a big advantage going into the second leg of their Europa League semi-final with Basel, but the Swiss side could still pose problems for Rafael Benitez’s men.
Clive Rose
Two away goals and a lead gives the Blues a huge advantage, although there can be no room for complacency against a side that put two past Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. An Amsterdam final on May 15 against either Fenerbahce or Benfica is the prize for both clubs, and Basel will be hoping to continue their fine run against the odds.
Chelsea have a few players who would risk suspension for the final if fielded, and with one eye still on the race for the Champions League spots, may field a slightly weakened team, which should give the visitors encouragement. The hosts are still huge favourites, but Basel have shown plenty of times in the competition that they are a hugely dangerous side.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Oriol Romeu (knee), Ashley Cole (suspended), Demba Ba (ineligible.) In doubt: Ramires (dead leg)
Basel injuries and suspensions
Out: Kay Voser, Aleksandar Dragovic (suspended)
Chelsea will definitely be without Ashley Cole and Demba Ba through suspension and ineligibility respectively, and may also choose to rest David Luiz, Ryan Bertrand, Ramires and John Obi Mikel, all of whom are one yellow card away from suspension. Ramires is a doubt regardless after picking up a minor knock at the weekend.
Basel have no new injury concerns, although will be without Aleksandar Dragovic after he was suspended for picking up a yellow card in the first leg.
Match date\time: Thursday 2nd May, 20:05 p.m. local, 15:05 p.m. ET
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, England
TV: FOX Soccer Channel (U.S. English), ESPN Deportes (U.S. Spanish), ITV1 (U.K.), RTS Sport (Switzerland)
Online: FOX Soccer 2Go (U.S.), ITV Streaming (U.K.), Sportsnet World Online (Canada)
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