Freiburg will be aiming to return to winning ways as they look to move back into the top four of the Bundesliga with a positive result against Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday.

The hosts will be determined to bounce back themselves after being humbled 4-0 away to Mainz 05 last weekend.

Match preview

Indeed, Gladbach's form continues to prove inconsistent during Daniel Farke's first season in charge of the club, with the former Norwich City boss seemingly at a loss when it comes to stabilising Die Fohlen's form on the road.

Their heavy defeat to Mainz last time out means that they have won just one of their 11 away games in the Bundesliga this season, with only relegation candidates Stuttgart and VfL Bochum - who have just one away win combined between them - conceding more goals than them away from home.

As has often been the case under Farke's tutelage, Gladbach dominated the ball against Mainz but to little effect in the final third, with their opponents putting on a ruthless display of proficiency in transition.

Farke will be relieved to see his side returning to Borussia-Park this weekend, having won seven of their 11 league games on home turf this season, most recently beating Bayern Munich to continue their excellent record in recent times against the reigning champions.

However, given their preference for counter-attacking football, there is no doubt that Freiburg have the potential to prove tricky customers for Gladbach on Saturday.

Indeed, despite being held 1-1 at home to Bayer Leverkusen last weekend, Freiburg are enjoying another stellar campaign under the stewardship of Christian Streich.

The 57-year-old, who has been in charge of the club since 2011, will certainly not be panicked by seeing his side slip out of the Champions League qualification positions, especially with Leverkusen representing a much improved outfit since Xabi Alonso was appointed in his first top level managerial role earlier this season.

However, having led through Vincenzo Grifo's 28th-minute effort, Streich would have been disappointed that his side could not see the game through, with Sardar Azmoun scoring his first league goal of the season to claim a precious point for the visitors.

With Borussia Dortmund hosting RB Leipzig on Friday evening, Freiburg are guaranteed to have the opportunity to make up ground on at least one of their top four rivals this weekend, but they are likely to require an excellent performance if they are to return from Monchengladbach with all three points.

Team News

Gladbach suffered a major blow during their defeat to Mainz last time out, with goalkeeper Jonas Omlin having to be substituted due to a hip injury. With Jan Olschowsky already sidelined due to a finger issue and Yann Sommer sold to Bayern during the January transfer window, 34-year-old Tobias Sippel is set to be called upon for the next few weeks.

Tony Jantschke and Julian Weigl remain unavailable due to knee and ankle injuries respectively, with Farke likely to recall Marcus Thuram to his starting XI after only utilising the France forward from the bench in their last two matches.

Freiburg, meanwhile, will travel without Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, whose season came to an end after suffering an ACL injury last month. The 26-year-old attacking midfielder is unlikely to return to first-team action until much later in the calendar year.

Ritsu Doan has been struggling with a cold throughout the week and is therefore unlikely to start in Monchengladbach, with Roland Sallai hoping to earn a recall on the right flank after enduring a stop-start season due to injury.

Christian Gunter missed out against Leverkusen after earning a suspension due to picking up his fifth caution of the season during the previous game, with his attacking qualities from left-back sorely missed. Lukas Kubler is likely to make way to accommodate the return of the visiting club captain.

Borussia Monchengladbach possible starting lineup:
Sippel; Lainer, Itakura, Elvedi, Bensebaini; Kramer, Kone; Hofmann, Stindl, Plea; Thuram

Freiburg possible starting lineup:
Flekken; Sildillia, Ginter, Lienhart, Gunter; Eggestein, Hofler; Sallai, Holer, Grifo; Gregoritsch

We say: Borussia Monchengladbach 1-1 Freiburg

Gladbach have proven themselves to be a much more effective team on their home patch under Farke's stewardship, and we can envisage a share of the spoils at Borussia-Park on Saturday.

Freiburg are a dangerous team in transition and will be happy for the hosts to have the majority of the ball, with both managers unlikely to be too disappointed if their side can avoid defeat.



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