FC Basel head coach Stephan Lichtsteiner is determined to prevent a third consecutive loss against FC Sion. Under his guidance, Basel has lost both meetings against the Valais club this season by a 2-0 scoreline, failing to score a single goal.

The statistics are clear, as reported by Bluewin.ch. Basel lost 2-0 away in February, and the same result was repeated at home in St. Jakob-Park on April 26. That home victory ended a 37-game winless streak for Sion in Basel and was described as a "historic triumph". For Sion coach Didier Tholot, the success was so significant that his team overtook last season's double-winner afterwards and secured a European spot, which they held onto until the end of the campaign.

What is Basel's current league standing?

The season has started much more positively for FC Basel. With ten points from five matches, the club sits third in the Super League. Their record shows three wins, one draw, and one loss. In the first five games, Basel scored ten goals and conceded seven, resulting in a +3 goal difference. Their most recent match was a 3-3 draw against league leaders BSC Young Boys on August 29. Their form over the last three games (1W-1D-1L) indicates there is still room for improvement. The gap to Young Boys currently stands at four points.

What about the next fixture?

Before Basel faces Sion again, a important home match awaits. On September 6, FC Basel will host FC Lugano, who are currently in second place. Lugano has won all four of its league games, a start that has historically often led to the championship title. Since the league reform in 2003, eight out of ten teams with four wins from four rounds became Swiss champions. For Lugano, it would be a fourth title after a 78-year wait. This duel is a real benchmark for Basel's ambitions. You can find all upcoming fixtures on our fixtures page.

What does the streak against Sion mean for Basel?

The two clear defeats against Sion from last season still weigh on the team. "Basel’s coach must at all costs prevent a third consecutive loss," Stephan Lichtsteiner said himself. The fact that the team not only lost but also failed to score in both matches is an alarming signal for the attack. This season, with players like Winsley Boteli, who has already scored ten goals in ten games, there appears to be more efficiency. You can check the current league situation anytime in our standings.

The direct confrontation with Sion thus becomes a mental challenge. It's about overcoming a psychological barrier and proving that the mistakes of the past have been corrected. For Lichtsteiner and his squad, the immediate priority is the next league home game against strong FC Lugano on September 6 to keep pace with the top.