Basel v Chelsea: Back Blues to claim crucial score draw

FC Basel surprised many by overcoming Tottenham to set up this Europa League semi-final tie with Chelsea, but few could argue that their performances across the two legs against Spurs didn’t warrant progression.

Now, aiming to complete a London double, the Swiss champions are 19/10 to gain a first-leg advantage by besting the Blues in 90 minutes.

Given that they are unbeaten in their past eight matches, there will be some who confide in the hosts at that price, with the three draws they have played out in this period possibly instilling confidence in the 12/5 odds regarding a stalemate.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are 13/10 to take a lead back to Stamford Bridge, but having won only twice in six attempts on the road in European competition this term, they are perhaps best approached with caution at those odds.

Rafa Benitez’ men appear perfectly capable of gaining something from the game though, especially considering that this competition represents the Blues’ only chance of seasonal silverware.

At 3/1 therefore, backing the score draw seems an appealing prospect.

Of Chelsea’s last seven stalemates, six have featured goals from both sides, whilst five of Basel’s past six draws have seen either defence breached.

And punters should also consider that in a big five of the Blues’ last seven matches that ended level, a 2-2 scoreline prevailed.

Basel drew both quarter-final legs with Spurs via the same result en route to the last four of this tournament, and 12/1 is the price that the teams equally share four goals between them here.

With Chelsea most regularly finding the net twice in games this season too, more cautious punters can benefit from betting on the total amount of goals they score in this match.

6/4 is the price that the visitors register on two or three occasions in Switzerland, and such a bet would have reaped returns in four of their 10 European outings so far this term.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.