The Europa League group stage continues with a fascinating clash on October 2, 2025, as FC Basel welcome VfB Stuttgart to St. Jakob-Park. Both clubs arrive with contrasting momentum, yet each has reasons for optimism in what promises to be a tactical and high-energy contest.
Basel’s Recent Revival
Under head coach Heiko Vogel, Basel have begun to steady themselves after a shaky summer. Recent domestic victories—a 3-1 triumph away at FC Thun followed by a 1-0 win against Sion—have injected confidence back into the side. Xherdan Shaqiri, back in his creative role, remains the heartbeat of the attack, linking up well with Ibrahim Salah and Albian Ajeti.
At the back, Keigo Tsunemoto and Adrian Barisic have brought stability, though lapses against Copenhagen in the Champions League qualifiers exposed vulnerabilities under high pressure. Those cracks will need urgent patching against a Stuttgart side known for its quick transitions and sharp finishing.
Stuttgart’s Mixed Bundesliga Form
Sebastian Hoeneß brings his Stuttgart team into Basel with plenty of attacking flair but defensive headaches. Their Bundesliga campaign has been inconsistent, highlighted by a 1-3 defeat to Freiburg but also a hard-fought win over Borussia Mönchengladbach.
The strike partnership of Ermedin Demirovic and Jamie Leweling has been lively, with Bilal El Khannouss and Badredine Bouanani providing creativity from midfield. However, Stuttgart face notable absences, as Leonidas Stergiou and Yannik Keitel are ineligible. This leaves goalkeeper Alexander Nübel with added pressure to organize a reshuffled backline.
Historical Context and Tactical Keys
History favors Stuttgart, who have won both previous competitive encounters against Basel, outscoring them 7-3. But Basel’s recent resurgence at home suggests this may not be as one-sided. Their midfield, driven by Léo Leroy and Metinho, has grown more effective at controlling possession and dictating tempo.
Stuttgart, meanwhile, will likely press high and rely on direct attacking play to unsettle Basel’s defense. If Shaqiri is given room to orchestrate, Basel could find joy in transitions and set pieces, while Stuttgart’s frontline will test Basel’s concentration throughout the 90 minutes.
Prediction: Narrow Margins Ahead
Basel’s home advantage and improved form make them dangerous, but Stuttgart’s superior depth and recent attacking consistency cannot be overlooked. Expect goals at both ends in what could be one of the more entertaining fixtures of the round.
Prediction: FC Basel 1 – 3 VfB Stuttgart
Stuttgart’s firepower should edge it, but Basel will likely make the Germans work for every point in front of an energized home crowd.