FC Basel

Won the double last season. Boss Celestini still stepped down though, and in rather strange circumstances. The club reportedly wanted him to stay but contrasting reports suggest fractured relations with the players, and that Magnin was earmarked as his replacement for some weeks before it happened. Magnin's arrival is...interesting. He's a good manager but his strict disciplinarian approach is unlikely to mesh well with the team's general breezy attitude. They won the double last season because of Shaqiri; nothing more, nothing less. Other players shone in individual moments but without Shaqiri, it would never have happened. It's fair to say that this team has not progressed in years - they've simply signed someone too good for this level. Shaqiri running the show is a huge boost. However, it also causes issues if he's out, which fortunately for them last season was a rare occasion. It's both a strength and a weakness though. They may yet deem promising youngster Beney ready for another foray in the first-team following the completion of his loan spell - he's dynamic enough to win games for them (if he's ready). If not, their dependence on Shaqiri will remain. The only other problem areas in this team are RB and LB respectively. LB is only an issue because it's Schmid; nobody else. He's available most of the time but when he's not, there's an issue. RB has been addressed this season with loanee Mendes moving on and proven Tsunemoto replacing him; a smart move all-round. However, with Rüegg injured again, it's reportedly going to be German winger Kade that operates as their second RB. They did some good business in attack, turning Otele's loan into a transfer. That'll lessen their need for inconsistent Traore to deliver the goods. It was mostly dead wood that they got rid of, although Kayombo has started life in Austria rather well. The big news was Avdullahu's departure but with Metinho's loan move turned permanent and bringing in Koindredi to help out, they shouldn't feel it too much assuming they can get the balance right. There are no definite weaknesses in this team (they're even trying to sign Fayulu to improve their GK situation, which honestly isn't even a 'situation') but there aren't that many strengths here either. At a time when the Swiss Super League lacks quality, FC Basel are standing out because of Shaqiri - and probably will again this season. Should really push for the title unless he's out, although there's also the chance that Magnin will be sacked this season - that could derail them. Purely because Shaqiri is there,