DFB Pokal 2022-23: SC Freiburg vs RB Leipzig: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The DFB-Pokal holders travel to Freiburg in the semi-finals of the cup, as they look to retain their title on Tuesday.

RB Leipzig finds themselves with another opportunity to find a silver lining in a faltering 2023, by reaching the DFB Pokal final for the second consecutive year. They'll be facing the challenge of Freiburg who pulled off the upset of the last round, beating favourites Bayern Munich 2-1, away in Munich with a 90th minute spot by Niclas Holder.

This RB Leipzig side has managed to reach the semi-final stage of the DFB-Pokal this year, with a resounding 0-8 win over Tuetonia Ottensen, in Round 1. It was followed by a 4-0 thrashing of Hamburg in Round 2. They made it look easy against Hoffenheim in the Round of 16, with a 3-1 win, and defeated Dortmund 2-0 last round to reach the semi-final.

Freiburg are also enjoying a successful season by their standards as they're well on their way to qualify for next season's Champions League in 4th. A successful Cup run presents them with a fantastic opportunity to end the season with silverware and knocking out a Leipzig side who're vying to take their place in 5th would be a huge source of motivator.

Kick-off: 

Tuesday, 2nd May 2023, 05:45 pm (GMT)

Wednesday, 3rd May 2023, 12:15 pm (IST),

SC Freiburg form (all competitions): W-W-W-W-L

RB Leipzig form (all competitions): W-L-W-W-W

Players to watch out for

SC Freiburg: Vincenzo Grifo

The Italy International has been the talisman for Freiburg and helped his side reach the Europa League last season with 16 goals and assists combined in all competitions.

The set-piece expert will have to help his side, having scored 14 out of 16 penalties for his side. Grifo possesses lethal accuracy from free-kicks and will need to be decisive in set-piece opportunities whenever called upon against Leipzig.

RB Leipzig: Dominik Sbozosolai

The Hungarian attacking midfielder has had a fairly consistent season However, Sbozosolai has been carrying a load of creative output for his side, in the league where he has four goals & eight assists. He’s also yet to open his scoring account in the DFB Pokal but has a couple of assists to his name and will be the man to unlock a tight nit Freiburg defence.

Match Facts

RB Leipzig are unbeaten against Freiburg in the last seven fixtures(W4,D3).

Freiburg are on a three match winning streak.

Team & Injury News

Freiburg will be without forward Kyereh (Cruciate ligament).

RB Leipzig will be without Goalkeeper Gulasci(Cruciate ligament) and Schlager(ligament).

Head to Head

Matches: 11

SC Freiburg wins: 3

RB Leipzig wins: 5

Draws: 3

Predicted Lineups

SC Freiburg predicted lineup (3-4-3)

Flekken – Kübler, Ginter, Gulde – Sildillia, Eggestein, Höfler, Günter: Sallai, Gregoritsch, Grifo

RB Leipzig predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Blaswich; Henrichs, Orban, Gvardiol, Raum; Laimer, Haidara; Szoboszlai, Olmo; Silva, Werner

Match Prediction for Freiburg vs RB Leipzig

Freiburg will be looking to enjoy home advantage when they take on Leipzig. They'll be very confident after pulling off an improbable win against Bayern in the last round and will look to reach the final by knocking out the reigning Champions. However, Leipzig season rests on this Cup tie and will have just enough quality on the pitch to go through.

Prediction: SC Freiburg 1 - 2 RB Leipzig

Telecast

India – Sony Ten Network and SonyLiv app

UK – Star, Star +, Sky Sports

USA – ESPN+

Nigeria – SportyTV