Hertha BSC vs. SC Freiburg preview: Can Freiburg become league leaders?
The Breisgau club look to continue their excellent run of form in the capital and with a win, they could potentially become sole leaders of the Bundesliga after Matchday 9.
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Hertha BSC
Hertha have only been able to produce three draws from their last three games and are still pushing for their second victory of the season. Linus Gechter is expected to be back in the squad after a long-term absence, while the defense has surprisingly been a strong point with only 10 goals conceded.
But, Hertha are still trying to find their way offensively with just eight goals recorded through eight matches (second-worst). Chidera Ejuke has energized with his creativity up front, but Dodi Lukebakio has really been the only consistent goal-scoring threat in attack.
Lukebakio’s strike-partner, Wilfried Kanga, is still waiting for his first goal of the campaign, but coach Sandro Schwarz says he’s not concerned with their summer signing:
"We've got huge confidence in Willi. We don't get the impression that he's worried about being goalless so far. He's hard working, presses well, has a lot of force in his game and shows depth to his play. He has proven that time and time again."
Team News
Kelian Nsona, Filip Uremovic, Jessic Ngankam and Jean-Paul Boëtius will not be in the squad on Sunday.
SC Freiburg
Freiburg easily lead their Europa League group and are way ahead of schedule to begin the Bundesliga campaign. They’re the betting favorites to continue this hot streak and claim all three points against Hertha in Matthias Ginter’s 300th Bundesliga appearance.
Michael Gregoritsch’s midweek injury should make way for veteran Nils Petersen to start up front. New St. Pauli signing, Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, has really shown his quality in the last few weeks and continues to shine in the no. 10 role.
Christian Streich has tried to keep the same starting lineup for all contests, so expect the regulars to feature once again even with Freiburg facing a hectic October schedule.
Streich and several of his assistants will have to return two negative Covid tests in order to return to the bench after missing Thursday’s Europa League game. If not, assistant coach Julian Schuster will roam the touchline.
Team News
After suffering a bruised pelvis against Nantes, Gregoritsch is questionable. It’s unclear whether Roland Sallai, Lucas Höler and Hugo Siquet will be a part of the squad, while youngster Kimberly Ezekwem remains out due to injury.
