SC Freiburg vs. Mainz preview: Freiburg embark on a brutal month
Freiburg begin their ludicrous October schedule at home against Mainz, who are looking to improve on their measly offensive tally to start the season.
| Christian Streich. |
SC Freiburg
It can't be said that Freiburg have played poor in their last two league fixtures, but they've slightly disappointed with back-to-back 0-0 results against Gladbach and Hoffenheim. With 13 games in the next six weeks, Freiburg will now begin one of the most daunting stretches in club history.
The defense, led by Matthias Ginter, is again one of the best in the league with five clean sheets thus far. Since his move from Augsburg, Michael Gregoritsch has taken over the no. 9 spot with ease, but Lucas Höler is returning from injury to push the Austrian for playing time.
Christian Streich stated that, "We are not afraid of any opponent. They have energy and power and they will demand everything from us in a rotating and duel way - but that's normal."
Team News
Kimberly Ezekwem and Roland Sallai are out, while Hugo Siquet is questionable. Höler will make his long-awaited return to join Gregoritsch and Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, who should both play after picking up minor knocks.
Mainz
While Mainz sit 8th in the table through Matchday 7, they haven't looked all that impressive and are yet to win at home. During the international break, Mainz embarrassingly lost 5-2 to second division side Karlsruher, as coach Bo Svensson said, "That had nothing to do with Bundesliga level."
Some good news has come out of the Mainz camp, as Jonathan Burkardt is set to return to the pitch and provide a needed boost of creativity. Mainz are unbeaten in their last four matchups against the Breisgau club, but Svensson admitted this will not be a simple task:
"Freiburg are a very tough opponent. They have quality all over the pitch. But if we put in a performance, we can also make it difficult for them."
Team News
Marlon Mustapha and Marcus Ingvartsen won't be available, while Alexander Hack is still suspended. Burkardt is likely to receive a starting nod.
