Freiburg vs. Union Berlin: How do they stack up? Freiburg and Union Berlin have been the two standout stories of the season so far, and they do battle in the final game before the World Cup break with second place on the line. Spirits are sky high in both the Black Forest and East Berlin, with Freiburg and Union still in the mix at the top of the table. The pair go into their final encounter of 2022 on Sunday level on points and, ahead of the mouth-watering fixture, bundesliga. com looks at how the teams are poised as they battle to end their incredible years on a high... The season so farAny Freiburg fans pinching themselves after the club finished sixth last season have found themselves taken further into dreamland.
Freiburg’s backline have conceded a measly one goal in their past five home games. Germany internationals Christian Günter and Matthias Ginter are unmovable parts of their sturdy back four – both have started all 14 matches this season. Hard graft has been the key component of Union’s defensive steel.
He has all the pace and trickery to give the paltry Freiburg defence a real test – having recorded the joint third-highest speed from a Bundesliga player this season. Rani Khedira has continued to be a stable presence in the centre of the field for Union, with the kind of consistency his older brother Sami would be proud of. It remains to be seen how Die Eisernen will fare with him suspended this weekend.
He has sought to take the pressure off his charges and encourage them to enjoy their unprecedented domestic and European success – stressing that survival from relegation remains the main objective for the humble Black Forest outfit. Whatever the result of the top-four battle this Sunday, expect the faithful fans at the Europa-Park Stadion to make a great show of their affection for Streich in their final home outing of the year. You will also struggle to find an Union fan with a bad word to say about Fischer. The understated Swiss coach has struck gold this season with a solid 3-5-2 formation and a strategy based on hustling opponents and direct attacking, including a fondness for peppering opposing defences with lofted balls.
Behind him, Robin Knoche has provided a vital foundation in the crucial central position in the back three. Janik Haberer was released from Freiburg on a free transfer in the summer but has settled in seamlessly in Berlin – and might fancy his chances of charging forward from midfield to nick a goal against his former club after hitting three already this season. The coachesStreich has served to further underline his already legendary status at Freiburg with the flying start to the season. The longest-serving coach in the Bundesliga has inspired a real assurance to his side’s play with his clear ideas and plain talking.
Union go into the encounter with two more goals to their name (23) than Freiburg. Jordan has proved to be a canny attacking signing from Young Boys with three strikes so far. Having been dropped to the bench for the 2-2 draw against Augsburg in midweek and left out of the US Men’s National Team squad for the World Cup, the frontman will be determined to seize his last chance to find the net before the winter break. Watch: Deadly Duo - Jordan and BeckerSheraldo Becker slotted in a spectacular first in the Augsburg encounter for his seventh goal of the season.
Vincenzo Grifo’s neat wing play has made him Freiburg’s top goalscorer for the past two Bundesliga seasons, and he tops the internal scoring charts again with six strikes so far this campaign. Grifo and Günter are also reliable set-piece specialists, with Gregoritsch’s big and agile frame providing a great outlet for their deliveries.
They managed to improve their squad during the summer, too. Having long been regarded as a selling club, Nico Schlotterbeck was their only star name to depart this year for Borussia Dortmund, while a definite sprinkle of attacking stardust arrived via their new signings. Michael Gregoritsch has been the highest-profile new addition, with the Austrian menace of a centre-forward nocking in five goals and providing two assists already. Ritsu Doan and Daniel Kyereh have also chipped in with two goals apiece. The attacking bite has added an extra layer to Freiburg’s play, which remains grounded in a solid spine. Mark Flekken operates as a dependable goalkeeper behind the composed defence.
SC Freiburg vs 1. FC Union Berlin Live Streaming - CricHD TV
SC Freiburg - 1. FC Union Berlin Live - Bundesliga - Eurosport