Salzburg vs Basel Prediction and Betting Tips for the Europa League league phase, taking place on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 20:00GMT. This vital match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports from the Red Bull Arena. Check Out Europa League Predictions from our expert team.
The home side is currently struggling in thirty first place after losing five out of six continental matches. They sit four points away from the playoff spots. Basel is in a better position but still needs a result to secure their place in the top twenty four this season.
Salzburg vs Basel Key Facts and Stats
Salzburg has managed to pick up only three points from their last five league phase fixtures.
The home side has failed to score in fifty percent of their European games so far.
Basel has seen at least two goals scored in each of their last six matches recently.
Both teams have found the net in sixty seven percent of matches involving the Swiss visitors.
Key attacker Petar Ratkov is suspended for the hosts after receiving a red card last time.
The visitors have lost all three of their away matches in the competition during this year.
High offensive volume with an average of 16 shots per match at the Red Bull Arena.
Disciplined defensive approach with an average of only 1.33 cards received per match at home.
Solid domestic performance currently sitting three points clear at the top of the Austrian Bundesliga.
- Salzburg's Weaknesses
Inefficient finishing failing to score in fifty percent of their Europa League matches this season.
Poor corner management conceding an average of 4.67 corners per match to their opponents.
Leaky home defense allowing an average of 1.33 goals per game in European competition.
League Position
26th
+ Basel's Strengths
Spectacular playing style with sixty seven percent of their matches seeing both teams score.
Clinical presence of Xherdan Shaqiri who has recorded eleven goals and twelve assists this term.
Solid corner defense away from home conceding only 3.33 corners on average per match.
- Basel's Weaknesses
Very weak away attack averaging only 0.67 goals scored per match on the road.
Fragile defensive structure conceding an average of two goals per game in away fixtures.
Match Preview
Thomas Letsch and his Salzburg squad are facing a massive challenge to keep their European dreams alive. After losing five matches in the league phase, the pressure is at an all time high. They need a perfect performance on Thursday night.
The suspension of Petar Ratkov is a bitter blow for the Austrian champions. He is their primary attacking outlet and losing him forces Yorbe Vertessen into a high pressure role. They must find a way to improve their finishing quickly.
Still, their domestic form remains a shining light for the supporters. They are currently leading the Austrian Bundesliga by three points. Translating that local success to the international stage is the biggest hurdle they face in this new year.
Basel arrives in Austria with a clear objective to break into the top twenty four. Ludovic Magnin has built a team that is very entertaining to watch. However, their consistency on the road has been a major problem lately.
Xherdan Shaqiri continues to be the heartbeat of this Swiss side. With eleven goals and twelve assists, he is the man Salzburg must stop. His experience in high stakes matches will be crucial for the visitors under the lights.
Even so, conceding an average of two goals per away match is a statistic that will worry Magnin. They have lost all three away trips so far. Finding a balance between attack and defense is key to their Europa League Predictions success.
Ahead of their crucial Europa League clash in Salzburg, FC Basel faces a tactical divide between leadership figures. Captain Xherdan Shaqiri is calling for an aggressive, "full throttle" approach to secure the necessary points, while coach Ludovic Magnin urges defensive caution against RB Salzburg’s pressure. With the Swiss side needing victories to advance, the spotlight remains on whether their ambitious strategy can overcome recent inconsistency.
M. Bidstrup, S. Diabate E. Baidoo, Y. Vertessen, C. Bischoff
FW
K. Konaté
OUT
S. Lainer(OUT),
J. Mellberg(OUT),
J. Omoregie(OUT),
T. Kawamura(OUT),
A. Chase(OUT)
Basel (4-2-3-1)
GK
M. Hitz
DF
K. Rüegg, J. A. Adjetey, F. Daniliuc, D. Schmid
MF
A. Bačanin, L. Leroy M. Šotiček, X. Shaqiri, B. Traore
FW
K. Eduardo
OUT
Metinho(OUT),
M. Broschinski(OUT),
P. Otele(QUES),
K. Tsunemoto(OUT)
Referee
Anastasios Papapetrou
Avg. cards
3.97
0.06
Prediction
X2 @1.54
Salzburg is entering this match in poor form after losing five of their last six matches in the competition. They are also missing Petar Ratkov who is their main goal threat. This makes it difficult for them to break down a motivated Basel side.
Basel has a world class playmaker in Xherdan Shaqiri who can change the game at any moment. While their away record is not perfect, Salzburg’s lack of confidence and inefficiency in front of goal gives the visitors a great chance to secure at least a point.
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FAQ – Salzburg vs Basel Prediction
Who is the favorite to win between Salzburg and Basel?
Salzburg is playing at home and leading the Austrian league, but their poor European form makes Basel a very dangerous opponent in this clash.
Where can I watch Salzburg vs Basel live?
The Salzburg vs Basel Europa League match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and Discovery+.
What time does Salzburg vs Basel start?
Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00(GMT) on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Who is the referee for the Salzburg vs Basel match?
The match will be officiated by Anastasios Papapetrou.
Alexandru Florin is a football betting expert, providing tips and accumulator predictions for xpertstats.com since 2022. With a strong focus on data-driven analysis, he delivers well-researched insights and reliable advice for bettors aiming for long-term profit.
