Christian Streich's men will be full of confidence following a superb first-leg win over West Ham United in the Europa League last 16 on Thursday.

Match preview

Freiburg's Roland Sallai celebrates scoring their second goal on February 22, 2024 © Reuters

Freiburg entered midweek's European encounter on the back of a fantastic result in the Bundesliga, and they will look to do so the same here ahead of next week's second leg.

Streich led his side to a 2-2 draw against champions Bayern Munich, initially taking the lead through Christian Gunter, before Lucas Holer fired home an 87th-minute equaliser to snatch a point.

It was something of a surprise result, given Freiburg's incredibly underwhelming league form so far in 2024.

They had a real chance of shooting for the top four heading into the winter break, but those ambitions are long over, with a spot in the top seven their only likely goal now.

Despite that positive draw a week ago, Freiburg are six without a win domestically, taking just two points in that time - the worst tally in the Bundesliga.

With seventh-placed Hoffenheim in great form, moving three points ahead of them last weekend, the visitors could target the Europa League if they want to seal a spot in UEFA competition next season.

Despite some strong competition in the Europa League, Freiburg staked their claim for a spot in the quarter-finals, beating Europa Conference League winners West Ham 1-0 at Europa-Park on Thursday, thanks to Michael Gregoritsch's late strike.

While Freiburg are looking to kick on following a good result against Bayern, opponents Bochum have been unable to do so since beating the Bavarians last month.

Bochum's Philipp Forster looks dejected after Schalke 04's Marius Bulter scores their second goal on March 4, 2023 © Reuters

After beating Bayern 3-2 here, Bochum went to Borussia Monchengladbach and were beaten 5-2, before losing 4-1 to RB Leipzig on home soil last week.

That marked a first home defeat in eight matches for the hosts, a run which stretched all the way back to September, as form at the Ruhrstadion is what is keeping them above water.

Thomas Letsch's side led early on against Leipzig but were pegged back before half time and then inexplicably conceded three goals in four second-half minutes, as Die Roten Bullen ran riot.

That has racked up 50 goals in Bochum's 'against' column, averaging over two goals conceded-per-game this season.

Recent form suggests they will struggle to mount a top-half challenge, so Bochum must ensure they remain a safe distance ahead of the three struggling sides in the relegation zone.

VfL Bochum Bundesliga form:

Freiburg Bundesliga form:

Freiburg form (all competitions):

Team News

Freiburg coach Christian Streich on November 9, 2023 © Reuters

In the act of getting sent off for kicking out on Lois Openda last weekend, Bochum's Momo Kwarteng tore a knee ligament and has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Midfielder Matus Bero has also picked up a knee injury this week, and will remain out with his partner in the centre Patrick Osterhage.

Tim Oermann is back though following an adductor injury and could return to the side along with Erhan Masovic and Manuel Riemann, who both served suspensions last week.

Freiburg were able to welcome Lukas Kubler back to the squad against West Ham, and the right-back could come into the starting XI after being a late sub on Thursday.

This game will still come too soon for Philipp Lienhart, despite his recent positive steps in overcoming injury, while Daniel-Kofi Kyereh remains out for the long term.

Streich has a decision to make about whether he should rest players ahead of the return leg with the Hammers, given the excellent position they have put themselves in.

VfL Bochum possible starting lineup:
Riemann; Oermann, Schlotterbeck, Ordets, Bernardo; Masovic, Stoger, Losilla; Asano, Broschinski, Wittek

Freiburg possible starting lineup:
Atubolu; Kubler, Ginter, Gulde, Gunter; Doan, Rohl, Eggestein, Grifo; Gregoritsch, Sallai

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We say: VfL Bochum 1-3 Freiburg

Maintaining the eight-point gap which Bochum have on the bottom three may be tough for the hosts here, considering they have lost five in a row against Freiburg and have been leaking goals at an alarming rate recently.

The visitors have been struggling for wins themselves of late, but two fine results over the past week should give them a huge lift, even if there may be one eye on the trip to London coming up.

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