Prediction: Borussia Dortmund vs Freiburg

Verdict: Borussia Dortmund win

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Desperate to widen their advantage in the Champions League spots, Borussia Dortmund will welcome Freiburg to Signal Iduna Park on Friday night.

Borussia Dortmund

Starting with the hosts, left disappointed last weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate away at Heidenheim, Borussia Dortmund will be seeking an immediate response here. However, while Edin Terzic’s men might have already accepted that any chance of a Bundesliga title charge is off the table, BVB are sat in the driving seat to punch another Champions League ticket in 2024. Marking their return from Germany’s festive break with a 3-0 romp away at Darmstadt, the one-time West Ham coach has seen his squad muster 10 points in their four Bundesliga appearances since opening the New Year. Smelling a golden opportunity here, Dortmund have shown some recent improvements in the back. Shipping just a single domestic strike in their last four showdowns, Terzic’s side will be excited by a stellar record against Friday’s guests. In fact, Dortmund have won all of their previous four straight meetings against Freiburg.

Team News

Still away with the Ivory Coast at this month’s AFCON, Borussia Dortmund will be unable to call upon Sebastian Haller on Friday night. Likewise, all still dealing with respective injury issues, the likes of Julian Ryerson, Julian Brandt, Felix Nmecha and Karim Adeyemi this weekend.

Missing out against Heidenheim last weekend, BVB are once again sweating over the fitness of Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho here. Notching nine Bundesliga strikes in his 18 appearances this season, German international Niclas Fulkrug will spearhead Dortmun’s charge.

Freiburg

As for the visitors, while Freiburg might still have their sights set on securing another European finish in 2024, Christian Streich’s side are seeking a welcomed boost. Last seen getting hit with a 3-1 defeat at home against Stuttgart, the Reds have now recorded just a single victory from any of their previous five Bundesliga appearances on either side of the festive interval. Likewise, signing off January with another worrying 3-1 drumming at the hands of Werder Bremen, Freiburg have continued to show some extended defensive issues. Including an action-packed 3-2 loss against Heidenheim last month, Streich’s men have shipped 11 strikes in their last five outings. Hit with that 4-2 defeat when they welcomed Borussia Dortmund to the Europa-Park Stadion on September 16th, Friday’s guests are rightfully tipped as an underdog pick here.

Team News

Shown a first half red card against Stuttgart last week, 21-year-old Merlin Rohl will miss out through suspension here. Not making a single Bundesliga appearance this season, Freiburg still remain without the services of former St. Pauli midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh this weekend.

However, returning from the Asia Cup following Japan’s exit, Ritsu Doan could make a full return on Friday night. One-time Borussia Dortmund star Maximilian Philipp could make a first start since the end of October at Signal Iduna Park.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Borussia Dortmund and Freiburg met for their reverse Bundesliga showdown on September 16th, BVB picked up a 4-2 victory.
• Likewise, Friday’s hosts have won all of their previous four meetings against Freiburg.
• Dortmund have conceded just a single strike in any of their last four Bundesliga appearances.
• Freiburg have registered just a single victory from any of their previous five Bundesliga appearances.
• Friday’s guests have shipped 10 goals in their previous three top-flight appearances.

Conclusion

Claiming an action-packed 4-2 victory when they travelled to the Europa-Park Stadion back on September 16th, Borussia Dortmund will certainly be seeking a repeat performance here. Finding some crucial defensive resolve since returning from the festive break, Friday’s hosts will be excited by a stellar record against Freiburg. Winning all of their previous four domestic meetings and smelling a real opportunity this weekend, we are expecting a home victory for the German giants.

Verdict: Borussia Dortmund win

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet