Ludogorets Razgrad vs. FC Basel, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Team news and game preview

Swiss champions Basel take on Champions League minnows Ludogorets Razgrad in Bulgaria on Wednesday, and while it may not set your pulse racing now, it’s a match that could have big consequences for Liverpool. The English side were stunned at home to Basel in the last round, and if they lose at home to Real Madrid and Basel win against Ludogorets, Basel will open up a healthy three point buffer in Group B’s second slot.

It’s certainly a game that Basel will be expected to win, even if Ludogorets have been pretty stubborn opponents for both Liverpool and Real Madrid in their opening couple of games. The former relied on a stoppage time penalty from Steven Gerrard to pick up all three points, while the latter had to come from behind to avoid embarrassment. Basel will be hoping things are a little more routine -- though they certainly shouldn’t expect the Bulgarians to be pushovers.

Key player - Marco Streller (Basel)

Basel club legend Marco Streller is now into his eighth season with the club, and though he’s now 33 years old, he’s still a crucially important player. The big striker has scored five goals in eight league appearances so far this season, and netted the winning goal at Anfield in Basel’s last Champions League encounter. He’ll be spearheading their attack again here, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get on the scoresheet.

Key matchup - Ludogorets’ counter-attacks vs. Basel’s defence

Basel are a pretty talented team going forward, though with coach Paulo Sousa occasionally opting to field his side in an incredibly attack-minded 3-4-3 based on retaining as much of the ball as possible, they still have defensive questions to answer. If Ludogorets can hit them on the counter-attack, then this game may not be quite as simple for the Swiss champions as expected.

Ludogorets Razgrad injuries and suspensions

Out: None. In doubt: None.

FC Basel injuries and suspensions

Out: Ivan Ivanov (knee), Marcelo Díaz (suspended). In doubt: Fabian Schär (knee), Behrang Safari (thigh).

Ludogorets should have a clean bill of health, though Basel will still be without suspended midfielder Marcelo Díaz and the long-term injured centre-back Ivan Ivanov. Talented young centre-back Fabian Schär is in doubt, as is veteran defender Behrang Safari, who came off early in the win over Liverpool with a thigh problem.

Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 9:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET

Venue: Ludogorets Arena, Razgrad, Bulgaria

TV: Fox Soccer Plus, Directv (U.S.), Sky Sports Red Button (U.K.), Voyo Sport, bTV Action (Bulgaria), RSI La 2, SRF zwei, RTS Sport, TeleClub Sport, RTS Deux (Switzerland)

Online: Fox Soccer 2Go, ESPN3 Online-App (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada)