European contenders Borussia Dortmund and Freiburg kick off the Bundesliga weekend with a clash at Signal Iduna Park on Friday night.
The home team aims to bounce back and stay in the top four after their perfect start to 2024 was halted in last week’s Friday game.
Match preview
Dortmund’s visit to the newly-promoted Heidenheim last Friday didn’t turn out as expected, ending in a 0-0 stalemate at the Voith Arena.
Despite the draw and RB Leipzig securing their first victory of the year, Dortmund remains in fourth place but now trails behind Stuttgart in third.
With Eintracht Frankfurt’s recent defeat, it seems like the race for the last two Champions League spots in the Bundesliga is between the teams in third, fourth, and fifth places.
Injuries made things tough for Terzic last week, but he hopes to gain an early advantage this Friday and put pressure on Stuttgart and Leipzig.
Dortmund has recently had success against Freiburg and aims for another win against them, following a significant victory in their last encounter.
In their previous meeting, Dortmund secured a 4-2 win thanks to late goals, continuing their high-scoring trend against Freiburg.
Freiburg seeks a victory to improve their 2024 performance and keep their European aspirations alive, especially with a Europa League match coming up next week.
Borussia Dortmund Bundesliga form: D D W W W D
Borussia Dortmund form (all competitions): D D W W W D
Freiburg Bundesliga form: W L D W L L
Team News
Dortmund hopes for the return of Marco Reus, Julian Brandt, and Gregor Kobel after recent illnesses.
Jadon Sancho missed the last game due to a groin injury, adding to Dortmund’s list of unavailable players, which includes Karim Adeyemi and Felix Nmecha, while Sebastian Haller is at the Africa Cup of Nations.
After recent transfers, Marius Wolf is expected to fill in for Thomas Meunier.
Freiburg welcomes Ritsu Doan back from the Asian Cup, but faces several absences, including Merlin Rohl due to suspension and injuries to key players like Matthias Ginter.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Borussia Dortmund: (4-3-3)
Meyer;
Wolf, Sule, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen;
Sabitzer, Ozcan, Can;
Malen, Fullkrug, Bynoe-Gittens
Freiburg: (4-2-3-1)
Atubolu;
Kubler, Szalai, Gulde, Makengo;
Eggestein, Hofler;
Doan, Sallai, Grifo;
Holer
Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Freiburg
Dortmund might have to work hard for their win at home due to their current challenges, but Freiburg’s struggle to match their previous year’s performance may see them facing another loss.
