SC Freiburg vs. FC Basel preview: Freiburg kick off Europa League campaign against Swiss giants | OneFootball

Freiburg

This week's clash marks the beginning of Freiburg's third European campaign in four years - a sign of the club's growing presence on the continental stage.

Julian Schuster guided his team to a fifth-place finish in the Bundesliga last term, earning qualification for this year's Europa League.

The start to the current league season was shaky. Heavy defeats against Augsburg and Köln threatened to derail momentum, but Freiburg have responded in style with a comeback win against rivals Stuttgart, and a commanding 3-0 triumph against Werder Bremen.

Team News

Daniel-Kofi Kyereh remains sidelined but could return in the coming weeks. Noah Atubolu will continue in goal after making Bundesliga history at the weekend by saving his fifth consecutive penalty. Junior Adamu, fresh from a goal and assist against Bremen, is expected to spearhead the attack on his first European outing since 2023.

Predicted lineup - 4-2-3-1: Atubolu - Kübler, Lienhart, Ginter, Makengo - Eggestein, Osterhage - Beste, Manzambi, Grifo - Höler

Basel

Ludovic Magnin has steadied Basel since his appointment, winning six of his first ten matches in charge. His side comes into this clash with three straight wins behind them, bouncing back from Champions League qualifying disappointment against Copenhagen.

The club have not featured in the main draw of a European competition for two years; however, their title win last term has given hope heading into this season's adventure.

After making the short trip just over the Swiss-German border to Freiburg, they will welcome fellow Baden-Württemburgers Stuttgart in early October for matchday two.

Team News

Forward Benie Traoré is a doubt, having missed the last six games with a leg injury, while defender Finn van Breemen remains sidelined with a long-term knee issue. Albian Ajeti carries Basel’s biggest threat - four of his last five goals have come away from home. Xherdan Shaqiri is another key figure, contributing eight goals or assists in his last eight appearances.

Predicted lineup - 4-2-3-1: Hitz - Tsunemoto, Barisic, Vouilloz, Schmid - Leroy, Metinho - Salah, Shaqiri, Otele - Ajeti