Freiburg vs Borussia Mönchengladbach: probable teams, match stats and LIVE blog!

Nico Schlotterbeck and Friborg are doing everything they can to finish in the top four by hosting Borussia Mönchengladbach on Matchday 31 on Saturday (kick-off: 3:30 p.m. CEST).

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Freiburg came into the game strong after back-to-back Bundesliga wins in recent weeks, combined with a 3-1 win over Hamburg on Tuesday that booked their place in the DFB Cup final for the first time ever. A place in the UEFA Europa League would be theirs if they continue to lift the trophy, but Christian Streich’s men have even Champions League football in their sights during the season: currently fifth, the club de la Forêt – Noire is only one point behind Bayer Leverkusen in fourth position. Nils Petersen opened the scoring against Hamburg in the cup but is likely to be on the bench again here given his impact as the league’s top supersub, while Vincenzo Grifo, also on target against HSV , should pull the strings from the attacking midfielder. Schlotterbeck’s stock continues to rise after a breakout season that culminated with his recent first senior cap for Germany last month, and the 22-year-old is set to lead the Bundesliga’s third-nastiest defense once again. .

European qualification is not yet mathematically ruled out for Gladbach, but it is a highly unlikely scenario after a season marred by inconsistencies. The Foals have beaten Bayern Munich twice this season so they are a formidable team in their day, but last week’s 3-1 home defeat to Rhine derby rivals Cologne is the flip side of the coin. Thus, Adi Hütter’s side are in 11th place, 10 points from the top six and nine above the relegation zone. They could hit the 40-point mark that traditionally provides safety with a win this weekend, but they have to do without talismanic centre-back Matthias Ginter. Breel Embolo should lead the attack, backed by Jonas Hofmann, in fine form, while Joe Scally could change wing with Stefan Lainer keeping his place on the right.

Watch: Nico Schlotterbeck – rising star

Match statistics

• Grifo is Freiburg’s top dog in scoring in the Bundesliga this season (eight goals, six assists). He made 18 appearances for Gladbach between 2015 and 2017, producing four assists.
• Petersen’s four goals in 11 appearances for Gladbach as a Freiburg player have all come at home.
• Freiburg is aiming for its fourth top five in 22 Bundesliga football seasons.
• Hofmann and Plea are Gladbach’s top scorers this Bundesliga season, with eight goals each.
• Gladbach are winless in their last 11 trips to Freiburg (D2, L9), and have won only two of 20 Bundesliga matches in the Black Forest.
• The Foals scored six first-half goals in the reverse game this season.

Probable teams

Freiburg: Flekken – Schmid, Lienhart, N. Schlotterbeck, Günter (c) – Eggestein, Höfler – Sallai, Jeong, Grifo – Höler
Outside: Gulde (sick), Keitel (broken toe), Schade (abs)
Doubtful: Kübler (sick)
Coach: Christian Strich

Gladbach: Sommer (c) – Beyer, Elvedi, Bensebaini – Lainer, Neuhaus, Kone, Scally – Hofmann, Plea – Embolo
Outside: Benes (thigh), Ginter (ankle), Thuram (hamstrings)
Doubtful: –
Coach: Adi Hutter