Freiburg vs. Wolfsburg preview: Two European hopefuls face off
Freiburg will look to keep their Champions League hopes alive when they face a Wolfsburg side that are aiming to qualify for the Europa League.
Freiburg
Freiburg’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League have been dented by consecutive league defeats to top-four rivals RB Leipzig and Union Berlin.
Christian Streich’s side conceded three goals in their away meeting with Union last weekend, before they threatened to complete a remarkable comeback following a Manuel Gulde effort and a Vincenzo Grifo penalty. However, any hopes of picking up at least a point were ended by Aïssa Laïdouni, who rounded off the scoring to condemn Freiburg to a 4-2 defeat.
Freiburg head into the final two games of the season in fifth place, with three points separating them from the top four. Although their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League may now be out of their hands, they will know that two wins will give them the best possible chance.
The hosts are unbeaten in their last four home meetings with Wolfsburg (W2, L2), which includes a 3-2 victory in their most recent home game against Friday’s opponents.
Team News
The hosts remain without the services of Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, who is a long-term injury absentee.
Wolfsburg
After suffering a heavy 6-0 defeat in their away meeting with Borussia Dortmund, Wolfsburg bounced back with a win over relegation-threatened Hoffenheim. Goals from Jakub Kamiński and Luca Waldschmidt guided Niko Kovac's side to a 2-1 victory that extended their unbeaten home run to six matches.
Having won three of their last four games, Wolfsburg head into the final two matches in sixth place. If they are to remain in the top six, die Wölfe cannot afford to rest on their laurels with Leverkusen sitting just outside the European places on goal difference, while Eintracht Frankfurt are three points further back.
Although Wolfsburg are winless in their last four away meetings with Freiburg, they will have fond memories of January’s reverse fixture where they cruised to a commanding 6-0 win.
Team News
The visitors are unable to call upon Maxence Lacroix, Paulo Otavio and Lukas Nmecha, who are ruled out with injury issues.