At the Red Bull Arena on 22 January 2026, Salzburg host Basel in a Europa League clash with very different pressures attached. For the hosts, anything other than victory would practically seal elimination, while Basel arrive knowing that even a draw could keep them firmly in the qualification race.
Prediction: Asian Handicap – Basel +0.5
The Asian Handicap in favour of Basel reflects Salzburg’s urgency combined with their defensive unreliability. While Salzburg should attack aggressively, Basel are well placed to take advantage of the spaces that approach creates and avoid defeat.
Salzburg Must Attack, Whatever the Cost
Salzburg’s situation leaves little room for caution. From the opening minutes, they are expected to push numbers forward and play at high tempo, as is typical of their home games. That attacking intent should generate chances and goals, but it also exposes weaknesses in defensive transition. Given their need to win, Salzburg are unlikely to settle for a controlled, low-risk approach.
Basel Vulnerable Away, but Always Competitive
Basel sit three points above Salzburg and just one point outside the qualifying positions. Away from home in this group, they have struggled, losing all three visits and conceding exactly two goals in each. However, their matches are rarely one-sided. Six of Basel’s last seven games in all competitions have seen both teams score, showing that while they concede, they usually find a way to respond. That trait is particularly valuable against a desperate opponent.
