Despite construction work being done on the train lines, 1,300 SC fans will still make the trip up north to Wolfsburg to support their team.

Away supporters in general have enjoyed their trips to the Volkswagen Arena in recent times, with VfL winless in their last six home games. A Freiburg victory this weekend could be historic for two reasons – it would be the club’s 100th away win in the top flight, while it would be the club’s sixth consecutive away game without defeat, a joint club record, only previously achieved in 2000/01 and 2012/13.

Freiburg are currently nine points ahead of Ralph Hasenhüttl’s Wolves, who are without a win in their last six matches. “Despite their recent results, they have still shown the quality they possess during these matches,” analysed Julian Schuster at Thursday’s press conference. “They have a really big squad with lots of exciting players.” Maximilian Eggestein spoke about this weekend’s fixture directly after the win over TSG Hoffenheim last time out: “We know it will be a difficult game. Wolfsburg are a tough team to face. Nonetheless, we have a big chance of winning and want to take that.”

Tough decisions to make for Schuster

The penultimate away game of the season will come too soon for goalkeeper Noah Atubolu. Schuster did have a positive update regarding the 22-year-old though: “He should hopefully be back in team training soon.” Eren Dinkci could return to the squad for Saturday.

Like Merlin Röhl, who made his comeback against Hoffenheim, Dinkci has played as a number 10 a lot this season, which is where Johan Manzambi started the TSG match and set up the opening goal. “Johan has improved a lot over the course of this season and earned his spot in the team,” said Schuster after handing the young Swiss attacker his first start for the club.

Schuster also has some tough decisions to make about his defence. Jordy Makengo and Christian Günter have both started two of the last four games at left-back. “Almost everyone is in training and the squad has developed so well over the past few years, meaning we’ve got real depth and quality here,” praised Schuster. “I think it’s a real positive, particularly at the end of a season. I obviously have tough decisions to make. As coach, you want the lads to not accept your decision and to then work even harder in training. Günni is a real role model in this regard.”

Photo: Achim Keller