Successful dress rehearsal ahead of Lazio? Freiburg vs. Bayern – Preview and team news

FC Bayern Munich open the 24th matchday of the current Bundesliga season on Friday evening at SC Freiburg (8.30pm, DAZN). Away at the Europa-Park Stadium, the Munich side must secure their next success after the last-minute win against RB Leipzig last Saturday. This is the only way the Reds have a chance of catching up with league leaders Bayer Leverkusen.

Last Saturday, Bayern were able to escape their slump in form for the time being. After three painful defeats in a row, the German record champions managed a narrow 2:1 victory against Champions League round of 16 finalists RB Leipzig. Now it’s time for Munich to build up a positive run of form. The next victory against Freiburg on matchday 24 is a must if they are to have any chance of winning this year’s Bundesliga title. At the same time, Munich will have to hope for some help from seventeenth-placed Cologne to close the gap on Leverkusen to five points.

Thomas Tuchel on Freiburg: „We need answers“

At the press conference ahead of Friday’s game, Thomas Tuchel said the following about Freiburg: „Freiburg are very variable. They may adapt very quickly to our basic organisation. Tactically, they’re very flexible, they can be a back four or a back five. We need a few answers and we’ll prepare the team for that. It’s also very emotional in Freiburg as the underdogs. We have to prepare for that.“

At the same time, the 50-year-old emphasised the importance of this match ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Lazio: „We need to step up our game. We have achieved a turnaround. I believe it has energised us. It’s only possible with full focus. Friday night in Freiburg is always difficult. Full focus tomorrow.“

Team news FC Bayern: Sane’s involvement is questionable

Munich’s personnel situation has changed somewhat since the Leipzig game. In particular, the appearance of attacking star Leroy Sané was still in doubt. „Leroy hasn’t trained at all yet, he will do a test today. That’s a prerequisite for being in the squad,“ explained Thomas Tuchel. The winger is not expected to be in the squad against Sportclub; instead, Mathys Tel looks set to make his first starting appearance of the season.

„Serge is back in training, but he’s not yet in the squad after this long absence with a muscle injury. Phonzie Davies will be in the squad if everything stays the same. Kingsley Coman is not in the squad, Sacha Boey is not in the squad, Noussair Mazraoui is not in the squad. Bryan is in the squad. Everyone in the squad is an alternative,“ said Tuchel, explaining the status of the injured players.

Only in defence did Tuchel give clear indications of his tactical decisions for Friday’s game. Minjae Kim and Eric Dier will form the centre-back duo. Matthijs de Ligt is suspended due to his fifth yellow card in the league, and Tuchel explained his decision against Upamecano as follows: „Upa is fit, but is suspended against Lazio. In that respect, it makes more sense for Minjae to play.“ The 50-year-old also made it clear that Joshua Kimmich would start at right-back.

Team news SC Freiburg: „We just have to be really strong“

Freiburg coach Christian Streich is expecting a strong Bayern team ahead of the clash. „We assume that Bayern will be strong. But then we’ll have to be really strong to stand up to them. I trust the lads to do that,“ explained the 58-year-old. „Bayern are coming here and will try to win the game at all costs. We’ll do everything we can, as always, to make it as difficult as possible for them. And that we find moments for ourselves. That’s only possible with an exceptionally good performance,“ he added.

Freiburg will be without a total of five players at home against Bayern. Yannick Keitel is plagued by calf and back problems, Daniel-Kofi Kyreh has been out since the start of the season with a cruciate ligament tear and Philipp Lienhart is suffering from a groin problem. Max Rosenfelder (patellar tendinitis) and Kenneth Schmidt (abdominal muscle injury) are also sidelined.

Direct comparison

On paper, FC Bayern’s statistics look very good against the Breisgau side in the league. They have not lost against the Baden club in 15 Bundesliga games. In the first half of this season, Munich recorded a commanding 3-0 win at home. Nevertheless, the Bavarian capital does not only have fond memories of Sportclub. Last year, they failed to beat Freiburg in the DFB Cup and thus missed out on a place in the semi-finals. Munich’s last Bundesliga defeat came in May 2015.

Prediction

After three absolute debacles, Thomas Tuchel’s team showed a different face against RB Leipzig. Although the Reds‘ play continued to show its weaknesses, it did not appear as unimaginative and hectic as before. A success against Freiburg should also be possible with a similar performance. This year, Sportclub are feeling the strain of the double-header a little more than before and the start to 2024 did not go to plan either.

Nevertheless, Munich should not underestimate Christian Streich’s team. In the Europa League, they showed a combative attitude against Lens, which allowed them to catch up and advance to the round of 16. Freiburg should never be labelled as losers and Bayern will need a focused, combative performance to win.

Freiburg vs Bayern broadcast: Bundesliga live on TV and live stream – All you need to know

• Match: SC Freiburg vs. FC Bayern
• Competition: Bundesliga
• Matchday: 24
• Date: 01/03/2024
• Time: 8.30 pm
• Venue: Europa-Park Stadium
• TV: DAZN 1
• Livestream: DAZN

Estimated line-ups for Freiburg vs Bayern:

• SC Freiburg: Atubolu – Sildillia, Ginter, Gulde, Günter – Röhl, Höfler – Doan, Grifo – Höler, Sallai
• FC Bayern: Neuer – Kimmich, Dier, Kim, Guerreiro – Pavlovic, Goretzka – Musiala, Müller, Tel – Kane