Eintracht Frankfurt vs. SC Freiburg preview: The Breisgau club want a CL place
Frankfurt are looking to end the season on a high note before their DFB-Pokal final and deny Freiburg a chance at claiming a Champions League spot on Matchday 34.
| Christian Streich. | Photo: Steven Schaap, CC BY-SA 4.0 |
Eintracht Frankfurt
It will definitely be the final home game for Daichi Kamada on Saturday and probably the last for Evan Ndicka as well. Eintracht's European dreams are unlikely as they'll need to destroy Freiburg and hope that Leverkusen lose to have any chance of finishing 6th.
Nonetheless, they can still secure European football through the Pokal and they’ll be using this game to get ready for that massive affair. Philipp Max and Kristijan Jakic could feature once again after recovering from injuries, but Almamy Toure will likely start ahead of both in defense.
Oliver Glasner commented, “Freiburg are competing for the Champions League and we want to make the most of our small chance. We’re unbeaten at home in the league and cup in 2023. Our goal is to win our final home game.”
Team News
Sebastian Rode is doubtful with an ankle injury, but Max and Jakic returned to team training this week and should be squad options. Hrvoje Smolcic and Lucas Alario will remain out. It was confirmed this week that Toure’s contract will not be renewed.
SC Freiburg
Saturday will be Nils Petersen, Jonny Schmid and likely Mark Flekken’s last game with the Breisgau club. They could head off in style by leaving the club with a stunning Champions League berth, but Freiburg are currently tied on points and down on goal difference to Union Berlin.
They will need some help from Werder Bremen, who play Union, this weekend.
Freiburg will likely rely on the trio of Lucas Höler, Ritsu Doan, and Vincenzo Grifo up front. Roland Sallai created several key chances in their win against Wolfsburg last weekend and could start again if trainer Christian Streich opts for a 3-4-3 formation.
Streich stated, "It's about our game. We want Frankfurt to play a great game and try to win. If Union wins, then so be it. I can live with that. - I firmly believe that Werder Bremen will do everything to win in Berlin."
Team News
Daniel-Kofi Kyereh is out and Nicolas Höfler can’t play after picking up a red card last week. Streich hinted that Yannik Keitel will start in his place alongside Maximilian Eggestein in midfield.
