Basel vs Grasshoppers Prediction: Basel are expected to return to winning ways

At St. Jakob-Park, Basel will take on bottom-placed Grasshoppers in round 18 of the Swiss Super League. The previous weekend, the two sides could not secure a win against their respective opponents. How will they approach this game?

Basel's last encounter was against St. Gallen, and they could only take a point. In that game, Basel were trailing at the end of the first half, with Albert Vallci putting their opponent in the lead. However, while they thought they had levelled the second through Anton Kade's strike in the 72nd minute, VAR disallowed it as an offside. In the meantime, 20-year-old Anton Kade's strike in the 85th minute was, however, enough to see them avoid a defeat at the end of 90 minutes. Heading into this week 18 game, Basel have not lost one of their last seven games, winning five and drawing two. With 30 points, Basel sit second in the league standings, being a point adrift of first-placed Lugano. 

Grasshoppers took on Yverdon last weekend and they were held to a draw. In that game, Tomas Veron put this side in the lead in the 14th minute, good enough to see them take the lead at the end of the first half. However, despite their strong play, an 83rd-minute Mitchy Ntelo strike was enough to see them extend their winless run of four matches. This team lost to Zurich in prior encounters while drawing Winterthur and Zurich. Away from home, the Grasshoppers have lost three matches in their last games, while their best result was a draw with Zurich. With 12 points, Grasshoppers sit bottom in the standings, scoring 16 goals while conceding 27. 

Grasshoppers have been having things right lately, but they have not been able to win. While Basel could not secure a win the previous weekend, I expect them to be at their best as they continue their title chase. Therefore, at home, I will pick Basel to take maximum points. Also, the Grasshoppers have struggled so much defensively this season, and while Basel's attack is on a high level, I will back them to win.