Home team has the advantage

Basel played against the toughest possible opponent in the second qualifying round but still managed to qualify against PSV Eindhoven, thanks to away goal rule (4-4 on aggregate). In their first leg, Basel were outclassed 3-2, winning 2-1 at St. Jakob-Park last Tuesday night. In their domestic league, they pulled out an away victory vs Thun (3-2), even if they played with a rotated squad. Defenders Petretta and Kuzmanovic, along with attackers Ajeti and Ademi are not available tonight.

LASK Linz are coming from a great season in Austrian Bundesliga, ending up second, behind Champions Salzburg. They won a spot in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers for the first time after 1965! The new has started in the best possible way for LASK Linz, having recorded two victories in their first two games in Bundesliga. Defender Wostry, midfielder Benko and Oh In-pyo, along with attacker Otubanjo are injured, actually, no one of them has played in the new season. 

Basel has an easier opponent than PSV Eindhoven in this round, at least in the papers, and they deservedly are the favorites against the Austrians. However, LASK Linz started the new season at full speed, and they will try to score at least a goal tonight. Basel were already tested against a strong opponent in the previous qualification round and they have the experience and the individual quality to make the first step tonight in front of their fans. The home win is my call.