Overview
Freiburg of coach Julian Schuster - the team that once ranked fifth in the 2024-2025 season - is losing momentum in the European race when the season only has 7 rounds left.
Die Breisgau-Brasilianer declined significantly after a 0-3 defeat to Hoffenheim on Valentine's Day, when they only won one of the next 5 matches. That was a 2-1 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach.
This series of matches includes three consecutive defeats in which they failed to score a single goal, respectively against Eintracht Frankfurt, Genk in the Europa League and Union Berlin.
However, before the international holiday, Freiburg somewhat regained their form with two consecutive victories, including crushing Genk 5-1 in the second leg and an important 2-1 victory over St Pauli in the Bundesliga.
Currently, they are ranked eighth with 37 points, 9 points behind Bayer Leverkusen's sixth position. Freiburg's chance of participating in European cups is still there, but very slim.
However, Freiburg can be confident as they have only lost two home matches in all competitions this season at Europa-Park. A victory over a strong opponent this weekend will be a big boost.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich of coach Vincent Kompany is approaching the championship. Before the international break, they crushed Union Berlin 4-0 thanks to goals from Michael Olise, Harry Kane and a double from Serge Gnabry.
This victory helps Bayern maintain a 9-point gap with Borussia Dortmund and has almost touched a silver plate. Notably, it is the fourth match in the last 5 matches that Bayern has scored at least 4 goals, except for the 1-1 draw with Leverkusen.
With their current form, Bayern has almost no clear weaknesses. However, their two draws in the last 4 away matches may bring some hope for Freiburg.
Personnel situation
Freiburg will be without central defender Max Rosenfelder due to a hamstring injury, while attacking midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh is also unable to return after a long period of knee injury treatment.
In that context, Matthias Ginter is likely to play as a central defender with Bruno Ogbus, while the midfield will have Maximilian Eggestein and Johan Manzambi to support Yuito Suzuki.
On Bayern's side, Nicolas Jackson is absent due to suspension after a red card in the match against Leverkusen. In attack, Harry Kane is expected to start, behind is the trio Michael Olise, Lennart Karl and Luis Diaz, while Jamal Musiala still leaves open the possibility of playing due to an ankle problem.
In defense, Alphonso Davies is unlikely to participate as he has just returned to light training, goalkeeper Sven Ulreich is injured in the groin, and young talent Cassiano Kiala is out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury.
Kompany could use Konrad Laimer at left-back in a four-man defense, alongside Jonathan Tah, Dayot Upamecano and Josip Stanisic.
In addition, Wisdom Mike has to miss the rest of the season due to a hip injury, and David Santos Daiber has not yet returned. However, Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka are ready to start in the middle.
Expected lineup:
Freiburg: Atubolu, Treu, Ginter, Ogbus, Makengo, Eggestein, Manzambi, Beste, Suzuki, Grifo, Matanovic.
Bayern Munich: Neuer, Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer, Kimmich, Pavlovic, Olise, Karl, Diaz, Gnabry.
The match between Freiburg and Bayern Munich takes place at 8:30 p.m. on April 4 (Vietnam time).
