Federer advanced to his eighth straight Basel final with the victory against the 40th-ranked Canadian.
The sixth-ranked Federer faltered when serving for the match at 5-3 in the second set, and fell behind 3-1 in the third before rallying.
Federer is a five-time champion at Basel and seeks to reclaim the title taken by the fifth-ranked Argentine last year in a thrilling three set victory.
"Hopefully I can get my revenge on him but you know on the top of it I am playing for the World Tour finals," said Federer.
"You know things are looking good. I am not qualified yet for London but that is not really in the back of my mind. I am just really focused on playing good finals tomorrow," he told reporters.
''It's always a pleasure for me,'' del Potro said about the prospect of playing Federer. ''I know all the people are waiting for that final and it would be like a rematch for him.''
If Federer wins Sunday, he'll secure his place at the ATP Finals in London.
He'll also close out his most difficult season, which was beset by back injuries and defeats to lower-ranked opponents.
Federer improved his season record to 40-13, the fewest wins since a 49-21 mark in 2001 when he turned 20.
In a dramatic third set, Federer's wayward groundstrokes allowed Pospisil to break for a 3-1 lead.
Federer reclaimed the break immediately, but had to fend off another break chance for Pospisil before holding at 4-4.
At 5-5, Federer wasted three break chances before finally leading in the set when Pospisil fired a forehand long. Federer clinched victory with a powerful service winner and raised both arms in triumph after 2 hour, 40 minutes.
Del Potro has a 4-13 career record against Federer, though he has won their past two meetings.
Date: 26th October 2013, Source: AP
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