SC Freiburg vs. Union Berlin preview: Can Union turn their season around?
Freiburg host Union, who’ve mightily struggled to start the campaign, but could be a new and improved side with several continuous weeks of practice under Nenad Bjelica.
SC Freiburg
Freiburg are sitting in a decent place in the table at 8th, despite struggling through a lengthy injury list for much of the season. Captain Christian Günter is still likely a couple weeks away from returning, meaning Jordy Makengo should continue at left-back this Saturday.
Christian Streich hinted in his presser that Maximilian Eggestein and Merlin Röhl will start together in midfield. Streich also recently displayed his frustration to the press by stating that the squad is “too thin”, yet Freiburg have yet to make any winter transfers.
The trainer commented, "If you think that you don't have to work incredibly hard against Union and you have to be extremely careful, then you'll lose. But, I'm assuming that the boys know exactly how they have to work."
Team News
Ritsu Doan is unavailable due to the Asian Cup, while Nicolas Höfler is suspended. Günter has returned to training, but likely won’t play a match until February. Daniel-Kofi Kyereh is still out, Philipp Lienhart is questionable, but Lucas Höler is expected to be a squad option.
Union Berlin
Union have made a couple of moves this window, which included ending Chelsea attacker David Fofana’s loan early. Veteran Leonardo Bonucci’s time in the capital didn’t quite work out and he’s off to Fenerbahce, while Hoffenheim’s Kevin Vogt was brought in as a replacement.
Union did win two of their last three league games to close out the year and defeated Bielefeld in a test match over the break. Jerome Roussillon and Josip Juranovic should continue on the outside this weekend, while Vogt likely won’t be immediately inserted into the starting lineup.
When asked about their winter training, Nenad Bjelica mentioned, “We worked in all areas, such as switching play and playing in control with the ball. - (Freiburg) are an offensively oriented team that play attractive football and act variably in their system. But, we believe in our qualities.”
Team News
Rani Khedira is likely out with a nagging calf injury, while Aïssa Laïdouni is unavailable due to the AFCON. Robin Gosens, Sheraldo Becker and Danilho Doekhi will be in the squad, but likely aren’t ready to start.