FC Sheriff might be trailing 1-0 from the first-leg in this Champions League play-off tie but they are far from out of contention for a place in the group stage of Europe's most prestigious club competition. The defeat came in Switzerland and given that it was a narrow one, Andrei Sasnitski's side will still be confident.
No side from Moldova has ever qualified for the Champions League proper and Sheriff are looking to accomplish that feat. Last year Sheriff reached the play-off round too but lost both the home and the away leg to Greek giants Olympiacos. The Moldovan champions will be desperately hoping that history doesn't repeat itself on Tuesday evening.
Moreover, Sheriff will be missing Aleksandr Erokhin, Vladimir Brankovic and Miral Samardzic through suspension, making life tougher for them in the second-leg.
In The Balance
Swiss champions FC Basel are technically in an advantageous position given that they take a 1-0 lead from the first-leg to Moldova on Tuesday evening, but they should know that Sheriff are capable of an upset in their own backyard. Basel did struggle against Sasnitski's team last week and also failed to convert a late penalty.
Vladislav Stoyanov's penalty save against Benjamin Huggel means that Basel have just a one-goal lead and must be aware right from the start against their hosts. A goal for Sheriff could change the complexion of the tie and demolish Basel's dreams of qualifying for the group stage of the Champions League for the third time.
Basel's encounter with Sheriff last Wednesday was their first against a Moldovan side.
Prediction
Sheriff 1-1 Basel
