Europa League Semifinals: Preview

Results Of The Europa League Draw

While most of the pundits of the beautiful game are predicting the outcomes of the Champions League semifinals, its ugly sister is also worth a look. With 4 teams from 4 different nations, the semifinals of the Europa League promise a couple of mouth-watering games. While some might have wanted Chelsea to take on Benfica, the draw of the European Champions against Basel may mean that two of the best teams left in the competition face-off in the final at Amsterdam. As Thursday night’s fixtures draw closer, its interesting to look at the technical aspects of the ties.

Fenerbahce vs Benfica

Dirk Kuyt Finally Finding Some Form In Turkey

As Fenerbahce and Benfica prepare to battle it out on 25th April in the first leg in Istanbul, neither will give anything away. Benfica enter the tie as favorites. But as volatile as the Turkish support is, Fenerbahce would have other ideas. The two teams have played each other in 1975-76 in the Champions League first round. Fenerbahce won the meeting in Istanbul 1-0, but were hammered in the reverse fixture 7-0. Even if many may predict a Benfica win, the stats tell a very different story. While Benfica’s top scorer in the competition, Oscar Cardozo, has 4 goals, Fenerbahce’s target man Dirk Kuyt has 3. Turkish custodian Demirel has made more saves than Artur, but the Portuguese has played 5 games less. The latter has, however, conceded 6 goals in 6 games, comparing to Demirel’s impressive 6 in 11.

In the other box, too, Fenerbahce have looked more convincing, netting 16 goals compared to Benfica’s 10. Fenerbache might start Kuyt and Webo upfront, while Benfica may start with a four man midfield themselves. Oscar Cardozo is an obvious choice, and Lima may also start. In truth, the Portuguese side will need their big guns viz. Cardozo, Rodrigo, Lima and Matic to fire if they are to get one over their Turkish opponents. For Fenerbahce, out of form Dirk Kuyt is still a key player, while their fortune could rely on the performance of players like Webo and Cristian. As for the result, both teams might do well enough to win their home games, and the away goals rule could be key to decide which team goes through.

Basel vs Chelsea

Torres Is In Good Form For Chelsea

Two of the fairy tales of last season’s Champions League, Chelsea and Basel battle it out for a spot in the Europa league final over two legs. The first leg is to be held in Switzerland this Thursday, and Chelsea might be considered the favorites. Basel, however, might fancy their chances, considering the Blues’ harsh season in many ways. It would be the first and second meeting between the clubs over the two legs. With Demba Ba out of contention, Torres is clear to start again. He has scored 4 goals in this season’s competition, and is Chelsea’s top scorer in a star studded lineup. Chelsea have scored 10 goals in 6 games in this year’s competition, while Basel have netted 14 times, but they are the competition’s longest survivors.

Chelsea have conceded 6 goals, but they can rely on their man between the sticks, Petr Cech. Basel’s keeper Jan Sommer has conceded 10 goals, but he is still a very reliable man. With the trio of Hazard, Mata and Oscar starting in the Premier League, one or two of them could be rested. Lampard and Terry, who were benched against Liverpool on Sunday, are likely to start in 5 man midfield. As for Basel, Salah, Diaz and Stocker offer a lot. Marco Streller’s high of 4 goals so far may give him the edge over Alex Frei in a 4-5-1 formation. On the back of sinking one London club, Basel would love to destroy another’s boat. What Chelsea might have to offer is what remains to be seen.