Our next opponents: Solid Freiburg defence

Position

Coach Christian Streich responded calmly to the goalless draw away to Union Berlin on the penultimate matchday. "We saw an intensive match. A point at Union is always good," said the 56-year-old in analysing the result. But, at the same time, he said: "I'd like to have scored a goal and won." Nevertheless: The Sport Club are having an outstanding season so far. The team from the Breisgau have picked up 26 points from 16 games and are currently fifth in the Bundesliga. It is the best half-season performance for SCF since 2010/11 (27 points).

Freiburg were unbeaten in their first ten matches (six wins, four draws). Then the Streich team suffered three defeats in succession against Bayern Munich (1-2), Eintracht Frankfurt (0-2) and VfL Bochum (1-2). Captain Christian Gunter and Co. ended the run of defeats with a brilliant 6-0 win away to Borussia Mönchengladbach but are now waiting for their next victory in the Bundesliga – ahead of the draw in Berlin, Freiburg lost 2-1 at home to TSG Hoffenheim.

Personnel

After his first start of the season for SC Freiburg, one question was easy to answer for Keven Schlotterbeck. "Of course", he wants to play alongside his younger brother Nico on Sunday against the Werkself. Both Schlotterbecks were in the starting line-up against Union Berlin last Wednesday. And it will almost certainly not be the last time: As Christian Streich said after the game, the two brothers worked very well together, which is why it's "definitely an option for the future." This season, the coach has mainly opted for a 3-4-3 system. But the team from the Breisgau have also played and been successful with a back four – as in the 2-1 win against Borussia Dortmund.

Streich will have to manage without right-back Jonathan Schmid (coronavirus) in the game against Bayer 04. Midfielder Yannik Keitel (muscle problems) is not an option. There is a question mark over a possible appearance by Manuel Gulde. The central defender dropped out late on against Union due to muscle problems. It remains to be seen whether he will be fit for the squad on Sunday.

Performers

Werkself beware: Freiburg are the set-piece kings in the league this season. SCF have scored 14 goals from dead balls so far – the absolutely top number in Germany's top flight. The Streich team have found the back of the net four times from set plays in the 6-0 victory at Mönchengladbach. One player to highlight in this context is central defender Philipp Lienhart who is in outstanding form and, together with striker Lucas Höler (both on four goals), he is currently the top scorer at the club. In addition, Freiburg have the best defence in the Bundesliga with only 15 goals conceded and the six clean sheets for goalkeeper Mark Flekken is the highest number in the league alongside FSV Mainz 05. It is also an historically good return as the 15 goals conceded after 16 games is a new club record for Freiburg (previously 17 in 2012/13).

Problems

SC Freiburg have been significantly better this season. That is reflected in the current form curve. The Sport Club have only picked up four points from the last six Bundesliga matches (one win, one draw, four defeats). And, with the exception of the record away win at Borussia Mönchengladbach, Lucas Höler and Co. have only scored three goals in that time. SCF are still in a good position in the table in fifth spot but the cushion to the teams below has shrunk.

Prediction

In spite of the meagre points haul over the past few weeks, SC Freiburg definitely count as one of the surprise teams of the current campaign. The team from the Breisgau made a blistering start and thereby set the foundations for their good position in the table at the moment. It will be a challenge for the Werkself to break down the SCF defence as the Sport Club currently have the strongest defence in the league. In addition, it would be worth avoiding set pieces against the most successful Bundesliga team from dead balls.