Freiburg vs. FC Utrecht: Europa League preview, team news & predicted lineups | OneFootball

After earning four points from their opening two group-stage matches, Julian Schuster’s side sit in a strong position heading into Matchday three. A 1-1 draw away to Bologna last time out maintained Freiburg’s unbeaten start, though they were left to rue missed chances after generating more than two expected goals and several clear opportunities.

Domestically, Freiburg are also proving difficult to beat. Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt extended their unbeaten streak to seven matches in all competitions, though they have drawn each of their last four fixtures. Freiburg currently occupy 10th place in the Bundesliga, five points fewer than they had at this stage last season.

At the Europa-Park Stadion, Freiburg have been formidable in recent months - unbeaten in their last four European home games and winning two of those. Schuster’s men will be eager to turn consistency into victories as they look to take control of their Europa League group.

Meanwhile, FC Utrecht have endured a difficult start to their European campaign, losing both of their opening matches without finding the net. The Dutch side produced few chances in their 1-0 home defeat to Brann, and their attacking struggles are reflected in their statistics - they have managed the fewest shots on target per match (two) of any side in the competition so far.

In the Eredivisie, Ron Jans’ team sit eighth with 13 points from nine games, a regression compared to last season. Recent improvements in front of goal have offered some encouragement - seven goals in their last four outings - but their defensive issues and poor away form remain major concerns. Utrecht travel to Germany on the back of three straight away defeats.

Patrick Osterhage is a doubt for Freiburg after picking up a knock, which could see Johan Manzambi retain his place in midfield following his start against Frankfurt. Junior Adamu is expected to lead the line once again, supported by Vincenzo Grifo and Jan-Niklas Beste on the flanks. Defensive stalwarts Matthias Ginter and Philipp Lienhart should continue at centre-back ahead of goalkeeper Noah Atubolu.

Utrecht are sweating on the fitness of attacking midfielder Victor Jensen, who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Should he fail to recover in time, Gjivai Zechiel is likely to fill the number 10 role behind striker Sébastien Haller. Former Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal could again start in central midfield alongside Alonzo Engwanda.

Predicted lineups

Freiburg - 4-2-3-1: Atubolu - Treu, Ginter, Lienhart, Makengo - Eggestein, Manzambi - Beste, Manzambi, Grifo - Höler

FC Utrecht - 4-2-3-1: Barkas - Horemans, Didden, Viergever, El Karouani - Engwanda, Iqbal - Rodríguez, Zechiel, Blake - Haller