FC Basel vs. Chelsea Betting Odds, Champions League Match Preview, Prediction

Chelsea can book their ticket to the Champions League knockout phase with a win or draw facing Basel, but that has already proven to be easier said than done.

The Swiss side had one of the more shocking upsets of the Champions League this season, beating the Blues at Stamford Bridge.

In early wagering, Chelsea were the betting favorites at most sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark at -118 with Basel at +375 and a draw line at +260.

Since Basel upset Chelsea in the first match, they have played to two draws and one loss. While this match is huge, the match between Schalke and Basel in Germany may determine which club comes in second in the group.

The Blues have been up and down this season, and that is evident in their last few fixtures. They won their last EPL match on the road 3-0, but in their last match at home, they played to a 2-2 draw.

In their last five matches overall, they have three wins, one draw and one loss.

Defeating Basel on the road and advancing to the last 16 in Champions League play would be a great  sign for Jose Mourinho's club.

Even at home, the Blues did not dominate the time of possession in the first meeting with Basel, despite boasting a superior midfield. However, the home squad has to have confidence in this match facing Chelsea with Mohamed Saleh and Marco Streller scoring in the first leg on English soil.

But can Basel score? They did so twice in the first leg, but there was no pressure on them. Now they have a lot on them facing Chelsea goalie Petr Cech and defenders John Terry, Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic.

The Blues need just a point to advance, but they will likely not drop back on defense. They would like to win and take the group, eliminating the need to face a power club such as Barcelona or defending champion Bayern Munich until late in the competition.

The Blues are the heavy favorites on the Champions League odds menu, but Basel have beaten them this season and will not be intimidated by the EPL giants.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-0