Top-four hopefuls SC Freiburg will aim to extend their winning run to four matches in the league as they play host to second-placed Bayer Leverkusen.
While the visitors Bayer Leverkusen do not have much to play for in this fixture, there is a lot at stake for SC Freiburg, who are dreaming of being a part of the UEFA Champions League next season.
The home team are fourth on the points table with 51 points in their 31 points. Heading into Matchday 32, they are only two points clear of fifth-placed RB Leipzig, who have dropped points in their last two outings. While Freiburg have had a two-point cushion, they cannot afford to relax with just three games to go.
They are heading into this fixture on the back of a three-match winning streak. Their last outing was a clinical 1-0 win over Wolfsburg. While Freiburg are in fine form, they will have to put up a strong performance to stand a chance against the defending champions.
By the time Leverkusen kick things off in this fixture, there were high chances of Bayern Munich being crowned champions as they had an eight-point lead heading into the final three fixtures. Xabi Alonso’s team have racked up 67 points in their 31 outings.
While Die Werkself did not have the best of starts, they did pick up the pace in the second half and a second-placed finish is already certain as they have a 12-point lead over the third-placed team.
They are heading into this fixture on the back of a 2-0 win over FC Augsburg. It was a dominant performance and they will be hoping for more of the same. The Hard Tackle takes a close look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could put to use.
Team News & Tactics
SC Freiburg
The home team will be without the availability of Daniel-Kofi Kyereh. Apart from him, everyone else should be available for selection.
Freiburg will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Florian Muller should continue in goal. Lukas Kubler and Jordy Makengo are expected to be the full-backs. In the heart of the defence, Matthias Ginter should partner with Philipp Lienhart.
Maximilian Eggestein and Patrick Osterhage will form the double pivot in front of them. They will look to protect the backline and ensure Leverkusen do not dominate the proceedings.
Ritsu Doan and Vincenzo Grifo will feature on the flanks providing much-needed width to their attacks. Lucas Holer will take up the number ten role, while Junior Adamu will lead the line for SC Freiburg against Bayer Leverkusen.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Muller; Kubler, Ginter, Lienhart, Makengo; Eggestein, Osterhage; Doan, Holer, Grifo; Adamu
Bayer Leverkusen
Xabi Alonso will be without five first-team stars in this fixture as Jeanuel Belocian, Mario Hermoso, Nordi Mukiele, Martin Terrier, and Victor Boniface are all out injured.
The Real Madrid-linked manager will certainly stick to the 3-4-2-1 formation, with Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapie as his back three. Meanwhile, Lukas Hradecky should continue in goal for the away side.
Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo will feature as the wing-backs, while Granit Xhaka and Exequiel Palacios will feature in a much more central role. The duo will look to ensure they dominate the proceedings. Emiliano Buendia and Florian Wirtz are expected to be the two attacking midfielders, while Patrik Schick should be their lone forward.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Xhaka, Palacios, Grimaldo; Buendia, Wirtz; Schick
Key Stats
- SC Freiburg’s 1-0 win last time out was their first clean sheet in their last six outings.
- While Leverkusen have kept a clean sheet in three out of their last four matches, they have only scored a total of four goals in those fixtures.
- The home team are heading into this fixture on the back of three consecutive wins after a run of five games without a win.
- Leverkusen smashed Freiburg 5-1 in the reverse fixtures back in December.
- Freiburg have only won one out of their last four matches at the Europa-Park Stadion.
Player to Watch
Jeremie Frimpong
Frimpong has been a consistent performer for Bayer Leverkusen over the last few seasons, and he now finds himself on the wishlist of some of the biggest clubs in Europe. The 24-year-old wing-back is enjoying yet another impressive season with the German club.
The Dutchman has been involved in a total of 46 matches and has contributed towards 16 goals. He has bagged 12 assists while finding the back of the net on four occasions. Given the kind of impact he has in the final third, Freiburg will certainly find it difficult to keep track of the Dutch international. He can certainly have a big say on the end result.
Prediction
SC Freiburg 1-2 Bayer Leverkusen
SC Freiburg have been in fine form of late, and will fancy their chances at home, especially with their recent three-match winning run keeping them firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish. However, coming up against a well-drilled Bayer Leverkusen side, who have looked solid at the back and boast quality all over the pitch, will be a real test of their UEFA Champions League credentials.
Despite having little left to play for, Xabi Alonso’s men will not be taking their foot off the gas. With a settled system, the visitors should have enough to edge out a tight contest. The Hard Tackle predicts a hard-fought 2-1 win for the away team.
