The Swiss Super League will begin its final stretch of the season this weekend, as the league splits into two groups: the championship and relegation groups, which will start with the top and bottom six teams, respectively.
With only five games to go, its Basel who lead the pack with a six-point lead and a massive goal difference advantage on second-placed Servette, who they will meet to open the championship group round this Sunday.
Basel havent won the league title since the 2016/17 season, an eight-year drought which is the longest in the clubs history since the 22-year spell without a title between their wins in 1980 and 2002.
Not only is it their longest drought, but FCB even hit rock bottom as far as the Swiss top flight goes, not too long ago, as they sat in last place at one point during last years campaign.
It was then, in fact, when they brought in their current manager, former Switzerland international Fabio Celestini, who has sparked a Xabi Alonso-esque renaissance with the team, steering them from fighting relegation to now being on the cusp of a league title in just over 18 months.
In this tactical analysis and team analysis, we will examine Basels transformation this season from a period of stagnation back into a dominant force in Swiss football and a potential title-winning side.
Basel Preferred Systems & Early Season Struggles
Since Celestinis arrival in fall 2023, Basel have shifted mostly between three different formations when setting out on the field—4-2-3-1, 3-4-3, and 4-4-2.
Celestinis most preferred of the three is 4-2-3-1, which he also used in his previous jobs at Sion, Luzern, Lugano, and Lausanne.
However, he is known to be flexible an
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