Basel and FC Copenhagen will contest the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie at St. Jakob-Park on Wednesday night.
The hosts are entering the competition at this stage of the preliminary rounds after winning last season’s Swiss Super League.
Ludovic Magnin’s men have already got their title defence up and running, but it would be fair to say that it’s not been plain sailing so far.
In fact, Basel have come away empty-handed from two of their opening four league games of the season, most recently falling to a 3-1 loss away at Lugano.
As for FC Copenhagen, they have had to negotiate two qualifiers just to reach this stage, defeating Kosovan outfit Drita before claiming an emphatic 5-0 aggregate win over Malmo.
Jacob Neestrup’s side have also taken early control of the Danish Superliga, leading the way after winning four of their opening five matches of the new season.
How the bookies view it: Basel to draw first blood
Boylesports make Basel 6/5 favourites on Wednesday night while an all square affair in Switzerland is as big as 23/10 with the same firm.
FC Copenhagen are unfancied 19/10 underdogs on Boylesports to emerge from St. Jakob-Park with a first-leg lead this midweek
Head to head: History book blank
Basel and FC Copenhagen will cross paths for the first time ever on Wednesday night before reconvening for next week's return match in the Danish capital.
Players to watch: Xherdan to provide X factor?
Legendary Swiss forward Xherdan Shaqiri has made a strong start to the season for Basel, hitting three goals and registering one assist across his opening five appearances of the campaign. With that in mind, Shaqiri looks a standout selection in the To Score or Assist market here at 6/5 on Bet 365.
Mohamed Elyounoussi scored one of FC Copenhagen's five goals in their aforementioned mauling of Malmo in the previous round. The former Celtic and Southampton forward is an 18/5 anytime goalscorer option on UniBet.
Predicted line-ups
As has been the case during the opening weeks of the new season, Basel boss Magnin will once again be unable to call upon the services of injured duo Finn van Breemen and Kevin Ruegg.
FC Copenhagen’s Elias Achouri looks set for a spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury while experienced midfielder Thomas Delaney is rated as doubtful for this week’s first leg in Switzerland.
Basel: Hitz; Schmid, Vujo, Adjetei, Tsunemoto; Leroy, Metinho, Otele, Shaqiri, Traore; Ajeti
FC Copenhagen: Kotarski; Lopez, Hatzidiakos, Pereira, Huescas; Silva, Elyounoussi, Lerager, Mattsson, Larsson; Cornelius
Anything else catch the eye?
Siding with Under 2.5 Goals at 4/5 on Boylesports looks well worthy of support at St. Jakob-Park on Wednesday night.
This selection would have proven profitable in three of FC Copenhagen's previous four Champions League qualifiers, including each of their two away from home.
Elsewhere, Basel could be worth backing to hit six or more corners during this contest at 6/5 on Bet 365.
The Swiss heavyweights have hit a combined total of 18 flag-kicks across their opening two league games at home this season.
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