Freiburg are firmly among the leaders in the Europa League league phase. They now face Red Bull Salzburg, who are currently at the bottom of the standings.
Freiburg
Freiburg are demonstrating impressive form in Europe: three wins and two draws in five matches. They have scored in four of those fixtures and conceded only three goals in total. At home, Freiburg have two wins in the Europa League against Basel 1893 (2:1) and Utrecht (2:0). Although the team lost to Heidenheim in the last league round, in the three previous matches they had two victories and a 0:0 draw with Viktoria Plzen, and did not concede a single goal.
Red Bull Salzburg
Red Bull Salzburg's campaign in the Europa League has been extremely difficult: one win and four losses in five matches, ten goals conceded and five scored. Their away form leaves much to be desired — two defeats in two matches on the road. Nevertheless, a recent 2:0 home win against LASK in the Austrian league showed the team's ability to recover. Coach Thomas Letsch emphasises an attacking style, but a weak defence makes the squad vulnerable in European matches. In the last three European fixtures, they scored but also committed seven defensive errors leading to goals.
Freiburg vs Red Bull Salzburg Prediction
Freiburg look like the clear favourites: solid home performances, stable European form and tactical flexibility give them a significant advantage. Red Bull Salzburg's need for points may encourage an attacking game, creating chances for goals at both ends, but this is unlikely to be enough for a victory for the visitors.
