Nice vs Basel prediction: EUROPE: Europa Conference League – Play Offs betting tips on match 2023-04-19 19:00.
Just when Nice thought that they would escape St. Jakob-Park with a comeback win via Terem Moffi's spectacular overhead kick last Thursday, their first European quarter-final match in 63 years saw a late leveller make it 2-2. That means this UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) tie rests on a knife-edge, but Nice sorely lack momentum after a limp 1-0 defeat to Ligue 1 strugglers Brest on Sunday became their fifth straight competitive game without a win (D3, L2).
Regardless, Nice will still start as clear favourites, but even the Allianz Riviera atmosphere seems ineffective, with none of the Eaglets’ prior home games in the UECL proper seeing a clean sheet (W2, D1, L1). Yet, they managed first-half shutouts in the last three of those continental clashes, hinting that keeping it tight in the latter minutes should be their focus.
To secure their first European semi-final since reaching the Europa League (UEL)’s penultimate hurdle back in 2013, Basel will be eager to avoid a fourth straight UECL game ending 2-2 and more penalty shootout tension. Remarkably, it was by that exact means they reached the UEL semis a decade ago, edging out a tough Tottenham side – albeit on home turf.
Despite being the underdogs, Basel won’t lack determination in trying to reach the UEL via this competition. After a 1-1 draw with BSC Young Boys at the weekend, they remain at risk of finishing outside the Swiss Super League’s top-three for the first time since 2001. Fuelling their resolve upfront even further, potent duo Andi Zeqiri and Zeki Amdouni are additionally vying for the competition’s second ever Golden Boot award with five UECL goals apiece
Players to watch: Moffi and Amdouni each registered braces for their respective teams in the first leg. In turn, all but one of Moffi’s seven prior goals for Nice has come before half-time. Unlike him, Basel’s Amdouni was a scorer in domestic action on Sunday, and he could make an impact if this tie goes the distance, given his perfect career record from five spot kicks.
Hot stat: Nice’s three most recent UECL home games have seen them score first inside the opening half-hour.