Challenge League leaders FC Sion welcome FC Baden to Tourbillon on Friday evening (8.15pm). Didier Tholot's charges will be looking to build on their good form following victory over FC Aarau last weekend.
The context
The year 2024 has got off to a good start for FC Sion. They opened their campaign with a win away to Wil, and won their first match against FC Aarau in Tourbillon last Friday. Solid and hard-working, the Valais outfit scored the only two goals of the game in the first half through Théo Bouchlarhem. It was the Frenchman's first two goals in red and white.
The win keeps Bouchlarhem and his team-mates on course and within touching distance of FC Thun, who are still winning. The suspense remains!
The opposition
Newly promoted to the Challenge League, FC Baden are tenth and bottom of the table. However, the Aargau outfit gave FC Sion a run for their money in the first meeting between the two teams. FC Baden even opened the scoring in Tourbillon last September. Despite 21 shots and 71% of possession, the Valaisans could do no better than draw 1-1.
Baden have picked up four points from their first three official matches this season, thanks to a draw against Xamax in the second half and a win over Bellinzona last weekend. Michael Winsauer's men are on 20 points in the standings, alongside Schaffhausen in ninth.
The stakes
FC Baden are looking to move away from the red zone. Level on points with Schaffhausen and just a point behind eighth-placed Vaduz, the Aargau outfit will be battling to stay in the second tier of Swiss football. Opposite them, FC Sion are locked in a long-distance duel with FC Thun, and will be doing their utmost to keep their distance from the Bernese outfit.
Latest fixtures
1 September 2023 FC Sion - FC Baden 1-1
21 October 2023 FC Baden - FC Sion 0-4
News
Nias Hefti will miss this match due to too many cautions. Bouchlarhem and Lavanchy could be suspended if they are booked against FC Baden. Jan Kronig is qualified.
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