Bayern Munich meet SC Freiburg again in the space of a few days, as Thomas Tuchel will seek revenge for their midweek loss.
SC Freiburg are in a decent run of seven games unbeaten in the Bundesliga heading into the game against Bayern Munich. They have not lost a game since Borussia Dortmund thumped them 5-1 at the start of February. Christian Streich knows the fight ahead of them to maintain their grip on a top-four spot ahead of RB Leipzig.
Leipzig are two points behind Freiburg, having played the same number of games. Despite Streich’s side putting up a seven-game unbeaten run, they have managed only three wins in that period. In their last five, they have managed only one victory.
last night ๐๐ #halbfinale @scfreiburg pic.twitter.com/Jj0wxm32M2
— Matthias Ginter (@MatzeGinter) April 5, 2023
Leipzig failed to take advantage of the many draws Freiburg had to endure. Streich will come into the weekend’s game against league leaders Bayern Munich with optimism. Having beaten them earlier in the week and eliminating the Bavarians from the DFB Pokal, they have momentum.
Thomas Tuchel will have revenge on his mind as he faces Freiburg in the space of a few days again. A terrible defeat at home saw Bayern knocked out of the DFB Pokal in the quarter-finals. It is not something the former Chelsea boss had in mind for his second game in charge of the club.
Since taking over from Julian Nagelsmann in an intense period of drama, Tuchel has restored parity with a smashing win over Borussia Dortmund to regain the lead. With 26 games on board, Tuchel will know the intense nature of the league in the final run-in.
The trip to Freiburg is a real test for the Bavarians in their quest to maintain their lead at the top. Tuchel will certainly want a glowing response from his players to show character and build momentum, especially considering they have to find form ahead of the Champions League clash with Man City.
Team News & Tactics
SC Freiburg
Freiburg will have main striker Michael Gregoritsch back after serving a suspension. The timely return will allow Christian Streich to field the forward to lead the line against Bayern. They do have a few doubts about Philipp Lienhart, who struggles with a thigh injury and Lukas Kubler, who should return after a bout of flu.
TON AN! Die Tore zum Halbfinale! ๐ pic.twitter.com/Mvm5RMm4lP
— SC Freiburg (@scfreiburg) April 7, 2023
Daniel-Kofi Kyereh remains the only confirmed absentee with an ACL injury and unlikely to play any part for the remainder of the season. Regarding the team and setup against Bayern, Streich will maintain his 4-2-3-1 attacking shape.
Maximilian Eggestein and Nicolas Hofler will keep their central midfield berths, with Ritsu Doan playing the advanced role or the No.10 position. He will have Vincenzo Grifo and Lucas Holer will play on either wing.
At the back, Matthias Ginter will marshall the central defence alongside Manuel Gulde. Kiliann Sildillia and Christian Gunter will keep the full-back positions, with Mark Flekken firmly settled between the sticks for Freiburg.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):ย Flekken; Sildillia, Fulde, Ginter, Gunter; Eggestein, Hofler; Grifo, Doan, Holer; Gregoritsch
Bayern Munich
Thomas Tuchel laid down the marker on how he wants his team to be set up and has since maintained the formation in the two games he has managed. A 4-2-3-1 attacking shape with compactness is what the coach seeks from his side.
Back on the training pitch ๐#MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/sVGqNb4Y5M
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) April 6, 2023
Lucas Hernandez being out for the season with an ACL injury alongside Manuel Neuer, Bayern also have Mathys Tel ruled out. Dayot Upamecano will serve a suspension for his red card, so there will be a change at the back.
Benjamin Pavard could replace his compatriot in central defence and will partner Matthijs de Ligt there. Alphonso Davies will take up the left-back berth, while Joao Cancelo could slot in the other full-back position on the right side.
Joshua Kimmich will keep his central midfield place alongside Leon Goretzka. Thomas Muller will keep his No.10 role, with Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman on either wing. Tuchel confirmed Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting was unlikely to play, meaning Sadio Mane, who was on the bench in midweek could lead the line for the Bavarians.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):ย Sommer; Cancelo, Pavard, de Ligt, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka; Sane, Muller, Coman; Mane
Key Stats
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Bayern Munich’s last 8 games in the Bundesliga.
- Bayern Munich have been winning at both half-time and full-time in 6 of their last 8 matches in the Bundesliga.
- Bayern Munich has taken 482 shots across 26 matches to rank first in the Bundesliga.
- Freiburg have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 8 matches against Bayern Munich in all competitions.
- SC Freiburg has given up 335 opponent shots over 26 matches, which ranks 11th.
Player to Watch
Joshua Kimmich
Most minutes played for bayern this season:
๐ฅ Joshua Kimmich – 3,096
๐ฅ Dayot Upamecano – 2,838
๐ฅ Alphonso Davies – 2,610๐๐ผ๐ฟ ๐บ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐ โคต๏ธhttps://t.co/CTCJgiGLKR pic.twitter.com/1xFR4zky5d
— BayernTimes (@BayernTimes) April 2, 2023
Thomas Tuchel’s system often has a centre-piece. In Bayern Munich’s case, it would ideally be Kimmich. The midfielder has gotten used to running the show for the Bavarians, and that might remain the case in this new reign. With much to win this season, the midfielder must play a key role.
When Kimmich plays at his best, he tends to make his teammates better. Leon Goretzka, for instance, struggled for consistent form under Julian Nagelsmann, and Tuchel will hope to restore that. Still, the main focus will remain on Kimmich, especially with the UEFA Champions League tie against Manchester City on the horizon.
Prediction
SC Freiburg 1-3 Bayern Munich
Freiburg will hope to repeat their feat from midweek and beat Bayern Munich again in the space of a few days. However, Thomas Tuchel will have hopefully figured out what was wrong with his team or setup to correct those mistakes. The Bavarians are overwhelming favourites despite their midweek loss against the same opponent.
Bayern know the pressure of being at the top of the Bundesliga table and will relish the chance to keep Dortmund at bay. Freiburg, themselves, are fighting to keep hold of the fourth spot. Despite their seven-game unbeaten run, they might end up losing against Bayern on Saturday.
