SC Freiburg - Fortuna Düsseldorf

Both teams had not the best start into 2016 because both lost their opening game. The second place team from Freiburg was not able to hold Bochum down and lost there 0-2. They are now in a situation where all the rivals are very close to them and they have them in back already what put them in a must win situation now. If they lose again Nürnberg can overcome them on monday and they are losing the good position they had for long time. In Düsseldorf they wait for better times and changed the Coach again what let them hope to get out of all the trouble but it was not possible and they showed really nothing against Heidenheim and lost deserved 0-1. If they can not get any Points in the upcoming weeks they are very close to fall behind the red line and the situation is getting more difficult for them as they are at the moment already.

With 4 wins out of the last 5 games before the winter break was Freiburg on a good way and they were defending their good position against Teams like Nürnberg and St. Pauli. After the first game it is a bit gone above all the advantage they had because of their lose. With two strikers Nielsen and Niederlechner they want to give their offensive new power although they have one of the best in this league. Despite this two guys they were not able to score above all Niederlechner had good actions and attempts on goal but was unlucky so far. Their top striker Petersen is still out and a big miss for the team from Coach Streich. Additional they miss with Philipp and Frantz two very good players who showed their strength in 2015 and they were key for success of Freiburg.

All three should be out again and Coach Streich is searching for a good balance and more danger in front of the goal. With Nielsen and Niederlechner starts the two new guys again but they must be more clinical today. No other changes expected.

It was not much which let Düsseldorf hope after the first game 2016. They were really awful and had a lot of problems above all their offensive play is harmless and they have to improve a lot there. But with which players should they do this. They are facing this problem some month now and if they are not able to score it is very hard to win matches. One goal ok but this is too less above all against a top team like Freiburg is. Therefore Coach Kurz must find the right tactic to overcome this strong opponent but have also take an eye on the defensive work too. Not much players are in good shape, only Rensing and Demirbay are maybe players who can lead this team but this is too less in relegation fight. 

It is very open if Kurz put out the same starting lineup as against Heidenheim. Some changes are possible. With Bellinghausen he has a fighter in hand who can bring some power in their play, also Bolly with his quickness on the wing and for some fast counter attacks. With Ya Konan they miss a striker suspended while new signing Mavrias and Djurdjic has his hopes but they had a bad performance against Heidenheim anyway.

Overall this match is very interesting. Promotion candidate against relegation candidate but if we compare both sides it is almost a clear thing for Freiburg in their own and close stadium despite their missing players. The class are there and they can be very dangerous anyway. On the other side is Düsseldorf a team who has not the best moment therefore advantage Freiburg !!!