Freiburg vs. Borussia Dortmund preview: Significant clash with European implications | OneFootball

SC Freiburg

After suffering a 2-1 defeat against Union Berlin last time out, Freiburg currently sit in seventh place, with a tally of 42 points, four ahead of this weekend's opponents.

Despite being leapfrogged by Borussia Mönchengladbach last weekend, Julian Schuster's side is now three points away from Mainz, who occupy the final Champions League spot.

However, the hosts' recent form has dipped, with Freiburg drawing three and losing one of their previous four after winning the previous four. Two home outings without a win will also be a concern for Schuster heading into a tough clash against Dortmund.

Team News

Freiburg head into the fixture without midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, who remains sidelined until late April. However, manager Schuster will be relieved to still have Maximilian Eggestein and Patrick Osterhage at his disposal.

Attacker Merlin Röhl is likely to remain out with a heel injury until mid-month, potentially paving the way for Ritsu Dōan, Eren Dinkçi, Vincenzo Grifo, and Lucas Höler to lead the line.

With first-choice goalkeeper Noah Atubolu recently replaced mid-match, Florian Müller is expected to start between the posts.

Borussia Dortmund

On the other side, Dortmund come off the back of a dominant performance against Mainz, having built a three-goal cushion, created four clear-cut chances, and denied their opponents any.

Niko Kovač’s side had failed to score in their previous two Bundesliga matches, and are currently projected to finish the season with just 60 goals, eight fewer than their 2023–24 total.

BVB will be hoping for a repeat of their emphatic 4–0 win over Freiburg last November, which marked their sixth consecutive victory against them.

Still, Dortmund’s form has been inconsistent, registering four wins, one draw, and seven defeats in their last 12 league matches.

Their away form has improved recently, with four wins from their last six road games, though they did suffer two losses in that span.

Team News

Defensively, Dortmund are facing selection headaches. Injuries to Emre Can and Niklas Süle, coupled with suspensions for Yan Couto and Nico Schlotterbeck, mean they’re likely to deploy a makeshift back four consisting of Julian Ryerson, Waldemar Anton, Ramy Bensebaini, and Daniel Svensson in front of keeper Gregor Kobel.

In midfield, Pascal Groß and Salih Özcan are expected to form a double pivot due to Marcel Sabitzer’s absence.

With striker Serhou Guirassy unavailable, Karim Adeyemi could be tasked with leading the line, supported by Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Julian Brandt, and Maximilian Beier.