Preview: Borussia Monchengladbach vs. Freiburg

Preview: Borussia Monchengladbach vs. Freiburg

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.

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.

Borussia Monchengladbach Bundesliga form:
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Freiburg Bundesliga form:
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Freiburg form (all competitions):
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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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