Freiburg vs Borussia Mönchengladbach

Europa-Park Stadion forms the backdrop for a mid-table Bundesliga clash between Freiburg and Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Exiting the DFB Pokal in midweek was hard to digest, especially considering second-tier Paderborn humbled Freiburg 3-1 in their own backyard, condemning Christian Streich’s men to a fourth defeat in six competitive matches (W2). If nothing, they’ve been a pleasure to watch, with five of those six games featuring over 2.5 goals and both teams scoring, highlighting the potential for a high-scoring fixture. Against this backdrop, Freiburg’s two Bundesliga encounters against Gladbach last season ended 0-0. A tepid draw in this corresponding match-up in 2023/24 marked Freiburg’s third consecutive home league draw against Gladbach, though the previous two both saw the sides net at least two goals. Another share of the spoils looks like an unlikely scenario, considering the hosts have only drawn once in nine Bundesliga outings this term (W4, L4).

Meanwhile, Borussia Mönchengladbach’s life under new manager Gerardo Seoane has been off to a bumpy nine-game Bundesliga start (W2, D3, L4), though one of those two wins came last weekend, with ‘Die Fohlen’ toppling debutants Heidenheim 2-1 at home. On the road, though, they’ve only lost once in four league matches this season (W1, D2) despite conceding 3+ goals on three occasions. But Seoane’s men have been impressive in the front third, netting at least two goals in four of their five competitive matches in the build-up to this trip, including a 3-1 DFB Pokal triumph over Heidenheim over midweek. Since they’ve found the net on their last nine travels, scoring shouldn’t be a problem. But fending off Freiburg might, knowing their last league clean sheet on the road dates back to April.