Basle midfielder Scott Chipperfield insists confidence is soaring ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash with Fulham.
The Swiss team and Group E top seeds, who finished third in their domestic league last term, opened their European campaign with a 2-0 victory over Roma.
Beating Roma has restored self-belief following a shaky start to the season and Basle will arrive at Craven Cottage with the intention of taking a step closer to the last 32.
“We’re very looking forward to the match but are expecting a tough, physical game that’s played at a high tempo,” said Chipperfield.
“Fulham are not doing so well in the league at the moment but are very well organised. We’re looking to get something out of the game.
“Our win against Roma was our best performance of the season so far – we hadn’t played well until then.
“In that match we played for 90 minutes and it was a great result.
“We’ve played three games since then and haven’t conceded a goal. Self-belief is high because of that performance.”
Basle coach Thorsten Fink, who succeeded former Tottenham manager Christian Gross during the summer, has installed Fulham as favourites for the match.
“We know that Fulham are favourites but we will give everything we have to beat them,” he said.
“Fulham play a typical English game – at a fast pace. They have some injuries but have good players as replacements.
“The Roma game was very good for us. It’s given us a good start so I’m very satisfied.”
