Freiburg vs. West Ham preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Here is our preview of Thursday's Europa League group stage clash between Freiburg and West Ham, including predicted lineups.
Having led his side to a 3-2 win over Olympiacos in the first round of the group stage, Freiburg coach Christian Streich is looking forward to facing an English side for the first time in his long coaching career.
"I've been in football for a few days now, but I've never faced an English team in a competitive match. This is something very special. There's no question about it, it's an incredible level in the Premier League," Streich told reporters at his pre-match press conference.
"I am really looking forward to playing against such an established Premier League team. The Premier League is the strongest league."
Streich is likely to stick with the three-at-the-back system that has given Freiburg defensive stability in recent games.
In addition to long-term absentees Christian Günter, Daniel-Kofi Kyereh and Max Rosenfelder, Freiburg will likely be without Yannick Keitel and Michael Gregoritsch.
West Ham manager David Moyes has no new injury concerns, but will once again be without the services of injured Aaron Cresswell.
The Hammers will not have any supporters in the stadium, as they are serving a match ban without away fans for crowd trouble in the Europa Conference League final last season.
Predicted Freiburg vs. West Ham lineups:
Freiburg: Atubolu - Sildillia, Ginter, Lienhart - Sallai, M. Eggestein, Höfler, Kübler - Doan, Grifo - Höler.
West Ham: Fabianski - Kehrer, Zouma, Mavropanos, Emerson - Alvarez, Ward-Prowse - Kudus, Lucas Paqueta, Benrahma - Antonio.
