Freiburg vs West Ham: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Europa League clash pits two evenly matched sides against each other

Freiburg and West Ham will lock horns at the Europa-Park Stadion on Thursday in a Europa League Group A clash that is sure to be a close and exciting contest. Both teams have had mix starts to their domestic campaigns, and they will be eager to carry that momentum and try to win consecutive matches in the league.

West Ham's only defeats have come to Liverpool and Manchester City, they have won all the other six matches across all competitions. They went behind in Matchday one against Backa Topala, but thanks to their new signing Kudus, they went on to win the match by the scoreline of 3-1.

Freiburg also started their campaign with a win but have already concede nine goals against Stuttgart and Dortmund combined, they have not looked as a team that was so close last year to qualify for the Champions League so far but they showed character in their first match against Olympiacos. They scored a late winner to win the match by 3-2.

Kick-Off:

Thursday, 5 October 2023 at 5:45 PM BST (10:15 PM IST)

Location: Europa-Park Stadion

Form

Freiburg (in all competitions): W-L-L-W-D-W

West Ham (in all competitions): W-L-W-L-W-W

Players to watch out

Vincenzo Grifo (Freiburg):

The freekick specialist in the team is a key player for Freiburg, and he is known for his versatility and creativity. He can play on either wing, or as a central attacking midfielder. He is a good dribbler and passer, and he has a powerful shot from distance. He has started the Europa League on a bright side for the German side as he was involved in their win, he gave the lead to the away side in the dying seconds of the frist-half.

Mohammed Kudus (West Ham)

The young Ghanian is the most exciting player in the West Ham squad this season. Even though he has not opened his scoring account in the Premier League, his presence is very vital for David Moyes this season. His two goals were the difference in West Ham's first Europa League match, he scored the equalizing goal and gave them the lead before Soucek made it 3-1. If the former Ajax player can adapt to the Premier League and find his best position, he could become a key player for West Ham in the years to come.

Match facts:

• The German side saw off Augsburg at the weekend, and have now kept a clean sheet in their last two matches.
• After beating Sheffield United couple of days ago, West ham have also kept two clean sheets in their last two matches.
• West Ham have now won three of their last four matches in all competitions, Freiburg have won three of their last five matches in all competitions.

Injury & team news

The home side will be without as many as five players for Thursday's Europa League clash including Yannik Keitel. West Ham's only injury concern for this one is Aaron Cresswell, who is a doubt with a hamstring injury, Fabianski is likely to start the match ahead of Areola, this would be his third game in the season.

Both the teams have different formations, Freiburg are likely to play 3-4-3 whereas West Ham will play in 4-3-3 formation.

Head to Head

Both the teams are yet to go up against each other, this will be their first ever meeting in Europe.

Predicted lineup

Freiburg predicted lineup:

Atubolu; Sildillia, Ginter, Lienhart; Sallai, Rohl, Eggestein, Kubler; Doan, Holer, Grito

West Ham predicted lineup:

Fabianski; Kehrer, Zouma, Mavropanos, Palmieri; Alvarez, Ward-Prowse, Paqueta; Kudus, Antonio, Benrahma

Match prediction for Freiburg vs West Ham:

Freiburg vs West Ham is a tough match to call, as both teams are evenly matched. Freiburg have a slight edge in terms of home advantage, but West Ham have a slightly better squad. Both the teams have had a similar start to the season, the home side will do enough to earn a share of the spoils in an entertaining tussle.

Prediction: Freiburg 2-2 West Ham

Telecast:

India – Sony LIV, Sony Sports Network

UK – TNT Sports

US –  CBS Sports