Freiburg vs Wolfsburg Preview & Prediction | 2022-23 German Bundesliga
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When is Freiburg vs Wolfsburg on and what time does it start? Freiburg vs Wolfsburg will take place on Friday 19th May, 2023 – 19:30 (UK)
THE LOWDOWN
FREIBURG
With the race for Champions League football so tight in the Bundesliga this season, a couple of bad results at this stage can prove a crushing blow. Unfortunately for Freiburg, this is exactly what has occurred for them. After losing 0-1 at home to RB Leipzig, they would have hoped to bounce back against another top four contender in Union Berlin. But that didn’t transpire, as Christian Streich’s side fell behind early on and found themselves trailing Union by three goals to nil at half-time.
Although Freiburg rallied in the second half through goals from Manuel Gulde and Vincenzo Grifo (the latter’s coming from the penalty spot), it wasn’t enough to prevent a 4-2 defeat in the German capital, which leaves them currently on 56 points and in fifth-place, three points adrift of the top four. Victory here would draw them back level on points with fourth-placed Union Berlin at least temporarily. With this being the penultimate round of Bundesliga fixtures this season, anything less than three points would more than likely put an end to Freiburg’s Champions League dream.
WOLFSBURG
Wolfsburg’s late push for European football next season is well and truly alive following their recent run of form, combined with teams around them dropping points. Niko Kovac’s side will kick off here inside the top six of the Bundesliga, having won three of their last four league games. Whilst their one defeat within those four matches came in the form of a 6-0 thrashing away at Borussia Dortmund, the response of these Wolfsburg players has been admirable.
Last time out they came up against relegation threatened Hoffenheim and goals from Jakub Kaminski and Luca Waldschmidt gave them a two-goal lead. Despite a late consolation from Hoffenheim, Wolfsburg held on for the three points and Kovac’s men have now racked up ten goals over the course of their most recent four Bundesliga fixtures. Victory here over Freiburg, followed by three points in their final match of the campaign at home to Hertha Berlin would guarantee Wolfsburg a place in Europe next season. This would surely be seen as an very good season from their point of view.
THE TEAM NEWS
FREIBURG
Having found the net against Union Berlin, defender Manuel Gulde may well retain his place in the starting line-up although alternately, Philipp Lienhart could get the nod at centre-back. After starting on the bench in Berlin, striker Michael Gregoritsch is likely to come into the XI here as he looks to add to his 15 goals this season in all competitions.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Flekken; Kubler, Ginter, Gulde, Gunter; Eggestein, Hofler; Doan, Holer, Grifo; Gregoritsch
UNAVAILABLE: Kyereh (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
WOLFSBURG
Following their 2-1 triumph over Hoffenheim, Niko Kovac will be very tempted to opt for the same starting XI with Max Arnold in the centre of a midfield five shielding the back three. Up top, Patrick Wimmer and Jonas Wind should start together again with Ridle Baku and Mattias Svanberg on the flanks, although Svanberg could alternately play in central midfield with Jakub Kaminski on the left-hand-side.
PREDICTED XI (3-5-2): Casteels; Bornauw, Guilavogui, Van de Ven; Baku, F. Nmecha, Arnold, Kaminski, Svanberg; Wimmer, Wind
UNAVAILABLE: Lacroix (Injured), L. Nmecha (Injured), Otavio (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
With three points crucial for both clubs, an exciting encounter should be on the cards as each prioritise an attacking playstyle. A draw isn’t likely to benefit either team, especially the hosts and with home advantage in their favour, Freiburg will be expected to push bodies forward at every opportunity. However, whilst you’d expect Christian Streich’s side to carve out a number of big chances, they could well leave themselves exposed at the other end and when taking into account Wolfsburg’s recent goal-scoring form, they are more than capable of taking advantage. Regardless of the final outcome, back both teams to score.
TIP: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
