Union vs. Freiburg preview: A massive contest for both sides

Union

With brutal back-to-back losses against Bochum and Köln, Union sit in the relegation playoff spot. Here are the capital club’s scenarios heading into the final matchday:

With a win and a Mainz loss to Wolfsburg, they will avoid relegation completely. If Union lose and Köln beat Heidenheim by three or more goals, they are relegated. Meaning, Union need at least a point to ensure they can claim a relegation playoff spot and avoid a direct drop. 

Interim coach Marco Grote said, “My confidence has not changed. - There were some things we had to work through (this week). Just mentally. Communication always helps everyone become a bit freer.”

Team News

Jerome Roussillon is out, while Kevin Vogt is questionable. Rani Khedira can’t play due to a suspension. 

Freiburg

It’s a big game for the 8th-place side as well, who sit one point behind Hoffenheim. This year, 7th-place is a Europa League spot, which is the goal for the Breisgau club heading into Matchday 34.

Thus, a draw on Saturday won’t be enough for Freiburg due to their poor goal-difference record. They need to beat Union and hope that Hoffenheim lose to Bayern to secure a third straight season of Europa League football.

It will definitely be an emotional fair in the German capital, as Christian Streich coaches his last game after 29 years in the Black Forest.

Streich commented, “Of course Union will do everything to stay in the league. - We want to play well and win. We’re aware of what the situation is like elsewhere. But, I don't have any tactics that we can take to Union to only secure a draw. That approach won’t work."

Team News

Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, Kennth Schmidt, Philipp Lienhart, Matthias Ginter, Merlin Röhl and Manuel Gulde are out with injuries. Kiliann Sildillia is unavailable due to suspension.