Sports Mole previews Sunday’s Swiss Super League clash between Servette and Basel, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Servette will be eager to bounce back from their first defeat of the Swiss Super League season when they host Basel at the Stade de Geneve on Sunday.
Basel, meanwhile, will be looking to build some momentum after picking up their first win of the season last time out.
Match preview
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After a strong start to the campaign, which saw them win their opening three matches, including victories over Luzern and Young Boys, the Genevois suffered a setback against Lugano last time out.
Despite taking the lead, they conceded three late goals to lose 3-1 and slip to second in the table, level on points with Lugano but behind on goal difference.
However, there is some positivity to take from their midweek goalless draw with Braga in the first leg of their Europa League qualifying tie, as they look to secure a place in the group stage for the second time in their history.
Next in line are Basel, an opponent who have got the better of them 33 times in 64 meetings, including their last encounter in April.
However, they have an ongoing streak on home soil against Sunday’s opposition, winning four and drawing five in the last nine times they have hosted this fixture.
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Basel, meanwhile, will be looking to build on their first league win of the season, a 3-0 victory over Grasshopper after losing the opening two matches.
The result lifted them out of the relegation zone and eighth place, but they will be aware of the need to maintain consistency to climb further up the table.
While Fabio Celestini‘s team has been potent in attack, scoring six goals to become joint-fourth highest scorers so far, their defence has conceded five goals.
However, they were clinical at both ends against the Hoppers, which is exactly what Celestini wants to see going forward to build a streak of wins.
Another win on Sunday could see Basel climb into the top half of the table if results elsewhere go in their favour, as they aim to close the gap on the league leaders in their pursuit of a first league title since 2016-17.
Servette Swiss Super League form:
Servette form (all competitions):
Basel Swiss Super League form:
Team News
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Servette will head into this clash without centre-forward Victory Beniangba, who has been sidelined with an injury since the start of this month.
Steve Rouiller remains suspended after his first-half stoppage time red card in the win over Yverdon.
Basel will also remain without Gabriel Sigua, who has a muscle injury that is expected to keep him out for a couple of weeks, while Mohamed Drager‘s return from his issue is unknown.
Kevin Ruegg is also out with an unknown injury for an uncertain period, while Junior Ze is carrying a muscle injury, and Juan Carlos Gauto is doubtful.
Servette possible starting lineup:
Mall; Tsunemoto, Baron, Severin, Mazikou; Ondoua, Cognat; Stevanovic, Antunes, Kutesa; Guillemenot
Basel possible starting lineup:
Hitz; Barisic, Adjetey, Comas; Kade, Avdullahu, Frei, Schmid; Kololli, Barry, Barney
We say: Servette 2-1 Basel
Although Servette are coming into this match on the back of their first league defeat, they have been the stronger side in the opening weeks and hold an ongoing home winning streak against Basel, which is why we are backing them to win.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.