FC Sion travel to Aargau on Saturday to take on FC Baden at the Esp Stadion on matchday 29 of the league season. Leaders in the standings, the Valais outfit have picked up just two points from their last three matches and will be looking to bounce back against the Challenge League's bottom club.
The context
FC Sion don't lose very often, but in recent games they've been struggling to win. Last Saturday, Tourbillon was the scene of a late draw (Zagré's 89th-minute goal). In the last five games, Didier Tholot's men have taken all three points only once. That was against Stade Nyonnais on March 29. From another point of view, it's interesting to note that FC Sion are still the team with the fewest losses in the Challenge League! They have only lost to FC Thun (2x) this season.
In the standings, the Valaisans lead the way with 61 points. With one more match already played, they are four points clear of second-placed FC Thun. Statistically, FC Sion have the best attack and defense in the league. Of the 57 goals scored this year, 15 came in the last quarter of an hour. Hard-working and resilient, the Valaisans never give up and will need to build on these statistics to reverse the trend and get back to winning ways!
The opponent
FC Baden are playing for their survival in Switzerland's second division. With 24 points, the Aargau outfit are the "red bottom" of the Challenge League, seven points behind Bellinzona and Schaffhausen. They will be desperate to defend their title at the Esp Stadion on Saturday evening.
Michael Winsauer's side lost 1-0 to Stade Nyonnais in Colovray on the final day of the season. In their last five matches, they have picked up four points thanks to a win over Wil and a draw with Vaduz.
The stakes
FC Thun, Sédun's runners-up in the standings, are in good form and have not lost many points in recent weeks. Leaders FC Sion must therefore consolidate their lead if they are not to see Lustrinelli's men catch up. Especially as the Bernese and the Valaisans face off in less than two weeks' time at the Stockhorn Arena!
Latest fixtures
September 1, 2023 FC Sion - FC Baden 1-1
October 21, 2023 FC Baden - FC Sion 0-4
February 9, 2024 FC Sion - FC Baden 4-1
The news
Didier Tholot will have to do without Joël Schmied (suspended), Cleilton Itaitinga and Kevin Bua (injured). Valais assistant coach Benjamin Bertrand, who was sent off in the match against Neuchâtel Xamax, is still suspended for this game.
Théo Berdayes, Ilyas Chouaref and Numa Lavanchy could be suspended if they receive a caution against Baden.