Basel have only complacency to fight
While Lausanne's UEFA Cup route looks far from secure, Basel will probably have only bookings and injuries to look out for. Christian Gross's team have a luxurious 5-1 cushion going into their second leg match with the amateurs of Folgore San
In an effort to keep his side alert for Thursday’s encounter, the coach has had to set a target. “I’m expecting another clear victory,” Gross insisted. “The winning margin should be at least one goal greater than two weeks ago.”
To achieve this the Swiss side will have to at least match their most convincing continental performance to date – the 1973 thrashings of Fram Reykjavik (5-0, 6-2) in the European Cup.
Despite his competitive urges, Gross has decided to rest three of his first-choice players. Midfielder Benjamin Huggel and defenders Philippe Cravero and Olivier Kreuzer all have slight injuries, but are expected to be back in the side in time for Sunday’s league match against St Gallen.
The Swiss champions have already made sure of their own place in the UEFA Cup, although not intentionally. Marcel Koller’s side automatically dropped into Europe’s second most prestigious club competition after being knocked out of the Champions League qualifying stages by Galatasaray on Tuesday.
FC Zurich are the other Swiss club guaranteed a place in the UEFA Cup, having qualified for the first round as the winners of last season’s Swiss Cup.
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