Underdogs to stand firm in DFB Pokal final
Freiburg take on RB Leipzig in the DFB Pokal final on Saturday, both teams finished in the top six in the Bundesliga this season and in that have secured European football for next season.
Domenico Tedesco’s Red Bulls are strong favourites to win the cup, however they also were in the Europa League and were knocked out unceremoniously by Rangers at Ibrox Stadium.
Leipzig have an array of attacking talent that Freiburg could only dream on having in the final third, hence why they finished comfortably higher than them in the league, but the DFB Pokal all comes down to this match, and Christian Streich will have a masterplan for the underdogs to stay competitive. It would be the perfect end to a remarkable season for Freiburg.
Background
With Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Monchengladbach and Wolfsburg all having underwhelming seasons domestically, Union Berlin and Freiburg have sealed Europa League qualification for next term, and it will be fascinating to monitor how they get on.
Amadou Haidara is back available for selection following injury, with Tedesco having a full squad to pick from for the final.
Freiburg have a few absentees, Kevin Schade being a key one but they will rise to the occasion for sure.
The lack of experience in the Leipzig team could show, as it did on the big stage at Ibrox and Freiburg will be looking to play on that by earning a firm grip on proceedings from the opening exchanges.
Goals?
Leipzig have been very good in attack since Tedesco took over from Jesse Marsch, so a traditional cup final unders play does not seem as sensible in this encounter.
Freiburg have scored in nine of ten.
Freiburg have conceded in eight of ten.
Freiburg have seen both teams score in eight of ten.
Freiburg have seen over 2.5 goals in nine of ten.
Leipzig have scored in all of their last 12.
Leipzig have conceded in five of ten.
Leipzig have seen both teams score in five of ten.
Leipzig have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
It is a great spectacle, and there could be a mental edge with the underdogs, they have been excellent all season and will certainly give a good account of themselves in their quest for silverware.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
This one lands comfortably with Freiburg ultimately losing on penalties, 1-1 AET.