FC Basel is about to play its classic match against FCZ. The Bebbi can look forward to a nearly full house for the duel with the undefeated Zurich team.
FCB coach Fabio Celestini at the media conference before the classic at home against FCZ. – Nau.ch
The most important things in brief
- On Saturday (8.30 p.m.) the classic FCB vs. FCZ will take place in St. Jakob-Park.
- For the first time in a long time, both teams are at the top again.
- FCB coach Fabio Celestini currently rates the Zurich team as somewhat more solid.
- Nevertheless, the coach believes that his team is not missing much compared to FCZ.
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Well over 30,000 fans will turn Basel’s St. Jakob-Park into a football madhouse on Saturday (8.30 p.m.). After the difficult cup victory in Nyon, FC Basel will then host their eternal arch-rivals FCZ in the classic.
It is the 80th time that these two teams have met in the Super League. “You always feel something special in the air when you play against Zurich,” says FCB coach Fabio Celestini about the duel. “It’s always great to play a game like this and also good for Swiss football,” says the coach.
Celestini: FCZ currently even more solid
Celestini is very positive about his team’s chances, saying the squad is very good. At the same time, he sees the previously unbeaten Zurich team as the more solid team at the moment: “But we are not that far away. It will be crucial who acts more as a team.”
Who will win the classic on Saturday?
23%
The Zurich team takes the three points.
2
The Zurich team takes the three points.
15%
There is a draw.
3
There is a draw.
Another reason why the Joggeli will be fuller than it has been at the national level for a long time is Xherdan Shaqiri. The returnee attracted 30,013 fans to the stadium at his first comeback appearance at home against Yverdon.
The 32-year-old is still waiting for his first competitive start. However, Fabio Celestini explains that Shaqiri still needs some time to complete 90 minutes.
With his converted penalty in extra time, returning player Xherdan Shaqiri scored the winning goal for Basel. – keystone
But it is also secondary how many minutes he plays. What is more important is the quality he brings once he is on the pitch, says Celestini.
FC Basel: Milestone for Taulant Xhaka?
By playing against FCZ, another Bebbi fan favorite would reach a milestone in the FCB jersey. Veteran Taulant Xhaka is about to make his 400th appearance in red and blue. Due to Leon Avdullahu’s suspension, there is a good chance that Xhaka will set this mark in the classic match.
Games against FCZ are always something special for veteran Taulant Xhaka from FC Basel. – keystone
But it is also clear that with new signing Romário Baró there is another option available in central midfield. The coach has not yet made any concrete statements on this.
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More on the topic:
Fabio CelestiniXherdan ShaqiriSt. Jakob-ParkTaulant XhakaSuper LeagueTrainerStadionFC BaselFC Zürich
