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VFB Stuttgart knocked out Freiburg in the semifinals of last years DFB Pokal, a tense 2-1 affair at home, and are again favorites to go through. This second round tie is a good chance for redemption for both sides after unconvincing performances so far in Bundesliga.
After finishing 5th last season, Freiburg has been utterly disappointing this season, even though a notable decline was expected after the best players left the club. Still, 3 points in 6 rounds with no wins is a very bad stat line. They did qualify in the Europa League group stages, only to get a modest 2-2 draw at home with Slovan Liberec in the opener. Freiburg were involved in a 1-1 stalemate at home with Hertha over the weekend despite Hertha having some chances to snatch the win. Freiburg`s current misery is accentuated by the team news. Immanuel Hohn is out, Mensur Mujdza, Vladimir Darida, Marco Terazzino and Vegar Eggen Hedenstad are all highly questionable for this tie against Stuttgart.
Probable Freiburg lineup: Baumann – Sorg, Diagne, Ginter, Günter – Schmid, Fernandes, Schuster, Kirk – Mehmedi, Hanke
Stuttgart had a horrible first month of the season, being knocked out by Rijeka from the Europa League in the process. But after sacking Labbadia, Stuttgart has improved, and is unbeaten in the last three Bundesliga games. They were involved in 2 low scoring games recently but overall they have an attacking style of play. The visitors will miss regular goalkeeper Ulreich, no other team news in their camp.
Probable Stuttgart lineup: Kirschbaum – Sakai, Rüdiger, Schwaab, Boka – Kvist, Gentner – Harnik, Maxim, Werner – Abdellaoue
This is a game that both teams will feel they can win, so both will go for it. Freiburg and Stuttgart are prone to high-scoring matches, as the stats show us: an exact average of 3,33 goals scored in both of these teams games so far this season. Last four meetings between them all ended with over 2,5. Stuttgart has an edge with a better squad and their new-found form, but playing away will not be easy. Look for an open game played for the win by both sides. With some absences in defense being the icing on the cake, this has all the makings of an over 2,5 encounter. My call is a high scoring draw or maybe Stuttgart to struggle for a 2-1 or 3-2 win. Looking at the facts, maximum stakes are justified.
Pick: over 2,5
Odds: 1.75 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 10
Possible profit: 7.5
Event date: 25 September
Editor Facts
- Ocean is 2 for 4 in German football this season
