In a Bundesliga clash on Sunday, European-chasing Freiburg hosts strugglers FC Koln at Europa-Park.
Match Preview
Freiburg, aiming for European qualification, host FC Koln at Europa-Park in a crucial Bundesliga fixture. While Freiburg suffered a 2-0 defeat against West Ham in the Europa League, ending a winning streak, they remain contenders for European spots in the Bundesliga.
With only four points behind fifth-placed Borussia Dortmund, Freiburg’s solid form puts them in contention for a European spot. They have a good record against Koln, winning 11 out of their last 16 meetings.
Koln, after a difficult start, showed improvement under Steffen Baumgart. Despite only one win in five games, they have been defensively sound, conceding just three goals in their recent outings.
However, their away form has been problematic, winning just once in their last 17 visits to Freiburg.
The club faced additional challenges with a hefty fine following fan-related issues, adding to the pressure in their bid to climb out of the relegation zone before the winter break.
Recent Form:
Freiburg Bundesliga form: L D L D W W
Freiburg form (all competitions): L D W W W L
FC Koln Bundesliga form: L D D L W D
FC Koln form (all competitions): L D D L W D
Team News:
Freiburg might maintain a similar lineup from their Europa League game. Despite injuries to key players like Christian Gunter, Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, Maximilian Philipp, and Yannik Keitel, they continue to put up strong performances.
Koln’s Julian Chabot is uncertain due to a recent injury, while Florian Kainz, Sargis Adamyan, and Faride Alidou are expected to miss out.
Dejan Ljubicic could be the only non-German in the Koln lineup due to potential absences.
Possible Lineups:
Freiburg:
Atubolu;
Sildillia, Ginter, Gulde, Kubler;
Doan, Eggestein, Hofler, Grifo;
Sallai, Gregoritsch
FC Koln:
Schwabe;
Carstensen, Hubers, Kilian, Heintz;
Martel, Ljubicic;
Thielmann, Waldschmidt, Maina;
Selke
Prediction: Freiburg 1-1 FC Koln
Expect a closely contested match with Koln showing defensive resilience. A minor fatigue factor could affect Freiburg’s performance following their midweek European fixture. The prediction is a draw between the two sides.