On Tuesday night, Swiss side Basel host Manchester City in the Champions League last-16 first leg.
Basel’s recent form in the Swiss Super League has been strong. Raphael Wicky’s side have also been in good form in the Champions League, winning four of their six group games to finish behind Manchester United in group A.
However, Basel’s four wins in the group stages are their only Champions League games in their last 14 games in Europe’s elite competition. The home side’s recent Champions League games have been low scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in three of their last four European games.
Basel’s home record in the Champions League has been mixed in recent seasons. However, they have won just two of their last seven Champions League games at St. Jakob Park. The Swiss side’s recent home games in Europe’s elite competitions have been high scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in four of their last five games.
Premier League leaders Manchester City head into this clash as big favourites. The Citizens have won five of their last six games in all competitions. Pep Guardiola’s side have also been prolific in recent months, scoring two or more goals in nine of their last ten games in all competitions.
The visitors topped their group, winning their first five games, before suffering a rare defeat in a dead rubber against Shakhtar Donetsk in their final group game.
City’s recent away record in the Champions League is not great, as the men from Manchester have won just two of their last seven games on their travels. The Citizens recent away games in Europe’s elite competition have been high scoring though, with over 2.5 goals scored in seven of their last nine games.
Forebet predicts that Manchester City will continue their good run of form by recording a victory in a high scoring game.