SC Freiburg - Bayer Leverkusen

Freiburg's leader !!!

After coach Streich took over SC Freiburg is on an absolutely good way and they are more in an uptrend as on an downtrend. They are very solid now and they are also very hard to beat or to crack in defensive as their conceded goals show. They have one of the best in this league and maybe this is the key for their good season so far. It looks like that coach Streich takes the focus on this position much more as on offensive and if consider the success so far he is absolutely right. Nevertheless they are on a huge streak now as they do not lose the last 4 matches and if we take this match against Bayern Munich away it was 8 times. They played well in almost all matches and they are very hard to crack as I said with one of the best defensive as they conceded only in 6 from 18 matches 2 goals or more. And in this 18 matches they keep 7 times a clean sheet and in the others they conceded only one. Last match against Mainz they did their job and got a point, is was an open match but both were not able to finish their attacks. But overall deserved draw. For this encounter one important man is back with Rosenthal, who was suspended against Mainz and he should get the place from Guede who has to move out and is on bench. Defender Mujdza has back problems and is not ready for the starting lineup.

On the q.t. Leverkusen stands on 2nd position and work on their best season since years. Manager Völler has found the right combination with Hypiaä and Lewandowski as coaching team and they lead the team very well. They are in good shape as the first match against Frankfurt showed, as they had some problems at the beginning but after they took the lead they play very good and I think this is one of their key facts. As with the lead they can count on their fast wings with Castro and Schürrle who helps a lot and give striker Kießling upfront the opportunities for goals. I am not sure it this can happen today as Freiburg is also known as solid defending team and they are for sure run not in counter. This time maybe Leverkusen must find another way for their finish. It's up to the players to create and maybe have some ideas more in their plays. The same eleven are ready again as with Bellarabi and Kadlec are the same players out since last match.

I expect a very close match as Leverkusen are not with such a success in this season as at home where they won almost all, away they are only average and against a team with huge self confidence and in good shape too it would be a much harder task, of course. Freiburg at home in their close stadium and hot atmosphere can take maybe advantage of it.