Freiburg vs. Union Berlin preview: Freiburg's European credentials put to the test

Freiburg

The sixth-placed hosts have 42 points, just three behind fourth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt, who currently occupy the final Champions League qualification spot. Meanwhile, their opponents sit 13th with 27 points following a 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich on March 15.

Julian Schuster’s side were held to a 2-2 draw by Mainz 05 last time out, a result that will have frustrated supporters given that their opponents were reduced to 10 men in the 43rd minute while Freiburg were leading 1-0.

Despite accumulating more than 3.00 xG in that game, Freiburg have only managed two goals in their last three matches, highlighting concerns in front of goal.

Even if they fall short of the top four, Freiburg’s season marks a clear improvement, as their current tally of 42 points has already matched their total from the 2023-24 campaign.

Schuster’s men are unbeaten in seven matches, keeping six clean sheets, and while they have drawn their last three, they won each of their previous four. The hosts have also suffered just one defeat in their last 10 games, winning seven.

Team News

Freiburg boast a relatively fit squad, though midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh and attacker Merlin Röhl remain sidelined until April.

Maximilian Eggestein and Patrick Osterhage have started together in midfield for five consecutive matches and are expected to retain their places.

With Rohl unavailable, Schuster could turn to a front line featuring Ritsu Doan, Eren Dinkci, Vincenzo Grifo, and Lucas Höler.

Union Berlin

Union Berlin frustrated Bayern Munich last weekend, restricting the reigning champions to just six shots inside the box—only two more than they managed themselves.

However, Die Eisernen have conceded 11 goals in their last five matches while scoring just four, with their tally of 23 league goals the second-worst return in the Bundesliga this season.

Boss Steffen Baumgart’s team drew 0-0 with Freiburg on November 8 and are unbeaten in their last four meetings with their hosts, winning two of those encounters.

Union come into the clash in mixed form, having won two, drawn one, and lost three of their past six matches.

The visitors have triumphed in two of their three most recent away outings, but they were defeated in each of their previous seven games on the road.

Team News

Union Berlin also have a mostly available squad but must cope without midfielder Aljoscha Kemlein, who is ruled out for the rest of the season with a foot injury.

Janik Haberer could be drafted into midfield alongside regular starter Rani Khedira, while centre-backs Danilho Doekhi, Leopold Querfeld, and Diogo Leite may continue in a back three.

Wing-back Robert Skov remains sidelined, meaning Christopher Trimmel and Josip Juranović are likely to feature in wide roles.