Basel vs. Liverpool: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview
Liverpool survived a thriller against Ludogorets on Matchday 1 of the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League campaign, and they'll travel to Switzerland next to take on FC Basel on Wednesday.
The hosts suffered an embarrassing 5-1 loss at the hands of holders Real Madrid two weeks ago, and they'll be motivated to put forth a better showing when the Reds come to town.
Neither club has had optimal preparation for this fixture, but Wednesday's clash could well prove to be the fixture that defines which team qualifies for the knockout stages.
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Date: Wednesday, Oct. 1
Time: 7:45 p.m. BST/2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: St. Jakob-Park, Basel
TV info and live stream: The match will be broadcast on Sky Sports 5 (for UK viewers) and Fox Deportes (for US viewers), with mobile coverage available via the Sky Go app and Fox Soccer 2 Go.
Preview
Swiss giants Basel have become a fixture in Europe's top competitions in the past few seasons, and Brendan Rodgers will know their heavy defeat against Los Blancos was likely more of a fluke result than a precursor of what's to come on Wednesday.
Basel threw away a one-goal lead on Sunday against FC Thun, playing out a 1-1 draw. Liverpool know the agony of conceding a late equaliser—the same thing happened in their fixture against Everton.
The Reds have conceded in five straight matches, according to WhoScored.com, and the team's back four is quickly becoming a problem. According to WhoScored.com's Jonathan Wilson, the issue may lie with veteran star Steven Gerrard:
"The issue could be seen at the World Cup when England had more possession than Italy and Uruguay and created more chances than either, but were undone by shoddy defending. And that is that the back of midfield is not offering the centre of defence sufficient protection. It’s not a simple issue, and it may be that if Gerrard were part of a more defensive system he could thrive at the back of midfield but he alone does not offer a defence sufficient support.
"
The Reds defence will face a stern test against Basel, who are led by prolific forward Marco Streller. The 33-year-old already has five goals this season, per WhoScored.com, and his massive frame and surprising technical skills near the box will challenge any defence.
Japan international Yoichiro Kakitani has slowly been getting more and more chances for the RotBlau, and as a late substitute, his excellent movement will make life even more difficult for the Reds.
Luckily, Liverpool's greatest strength also lies upfront. Mario Balotelli's return to the Premier League has gotten off to a solid start, and the Italian striker will only get better as he grows comfortable at his new club. Supported by Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana, there's plenty of pace to put pressure on any back four.
However, there will be no return from injury for Daniel Sturridge, as he has been left out of the squad, according to The Guardian's Andy Hunter.
The Times' Tony Barrett confirmed as much on Tuesday:
Basel's centre-back duo of Fabian Schar and Marek Suchy is a solid one, but using a three-man defence against Real, the Swiss outfit were unable to cope with the Spanish team's pure pace.
The hosts are expected to revert back to a more traditional formation but don't have the talent out wide to cope with the likes of Sterling and Lallana. Behrang Safari is a strong defender, but he lacks the quickness to be effective against nimble wingers.
Ball retention will be key for the Reds. Basel are desperate for a result after their trashing on Matchday 1, and a loss against the Reds would greatly diminish their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages.
The Swiss outfit know about the recent struggles of Liverpool's back four and will want to put pressure on the Reds' defence early and often. If Gerrard and company can keep control of possession and limit the crosses Basel will undoubtedly fire into the box in search of Streller, there's no reason the Reds can't emerge victorious.
Prediction: FC Basel 1-2 Liverpool
