FC Basel vs. Ludogorets, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Time, TV schedule and game preview

Basel hosts Ludogorets at St. Jakob-Park on Tuesday, on the back of a stunning defeat away in Bulgaria in their last Champions League fixture. Heading into this match, these sides are tied with Liverpool on just three points in Group B, making this an undoubtedly crucial fixture in determining how this group with eventually shape up. As it stands, they could well both cause an upset and progress into the knockout stages.

Basel head into the game looking to break from their recent disappointing form, with coach Paulo Sousa having come under fire for his unconvincing start since taking over at the Swiss club in the summer. They’re currently second in the Swiss Super League, but are just a point adrift of Zürich. Ludogorets, meanwhile, have won their last four matches in all competitions.

Key player - Marcelo Díaz (Basel)

Basel’s star midfielder Marcelo Díaz will make his first appearance in the Champions League this season against Ludogorets, after his three-match ban expired. The Chilean international is undoubtedly one of the Swiss outfit’s key creative sparks, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Ludogorets pay him special attention in this match.

Key matchup - Shkelzen Gashi vs. the Ludogorets defence

With home advantage and a coach that emphasises patient possession play, it wouldn’t be surprising if Basel dominated this match. However, they could well be reliant on the intelligent movement on their domestic top scorer, Albanian winger Shkelzen Gashi, to break Ludogorets down. He loves to drift into goalscoring positions from out on the left flank, and the Bulgarians could well find him difficult to handle.

Basel injuries and suspensions

Out: Marco Streller (slipped disc), Ivan Ivanov (knee). In doubt: None.

Ludogorets injuries and suspensions

Out: Yordan Minev (suspended). In doubt: None.

Basel will be without club legend and striker Marco Streller courtesy of a slipped disc, while defender Ivan Ivanov is unavailable with a long-term knee problem. Ludogorets, meanwhile, have suspended defender Yordan Minev sidelined, though otherwise could have a full-strength team to choose from.

Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET

Venue: St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland

TV: Fox Soccer Plus, Directv (U.S.), Sky Sports Red Button (U.K.), SRF zwei, RSI La 2, TeleClub Sport 3, RTS Sport, RTS Deux (Switzerland), bTV Action (Bulgaria)

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