Saturday will mark only the fifth Bundesliga meeting between SC Freiburg and SC Paderborn. Freiburg may have recorded just one top-flight victory against them, but plenty of SC supporters will still have fond memories of trips to Paderborn. On 29th April 2016, with Julian Schuster sidelined by a knee injury, Freiburg secured promotion to the Bundesliga with three games of the 2. Bundesliga season still to play.

After two successive weeks with midweek fixtures, Freiburg’s coaching staff have had more time on the training pitch this week, much to Julian Schuster’s delight. “Every extra day helps. With the schedule we’ve got coming up after the international break, we’ve found a routine that allows us to focus on what matters most.”

Osterhage not in training

Patrick Osterhage was the only absentee from training this week due to muscular problems, leaving Schuster and his coaching team with some tough selection calls to make. “The older players aren’t giving an inch either, which is one of the reasons competition for places is so fierce,” said the SC head coach. “It keeps everyone on their toes and the level of focus is really high. Often it comes down to the smallest details when deciding who starts. Sometimes you just have to go with your gut.”

Philipp Lienhart and Vincenzo Grifo were among those who came off the bench in the first game of the season at Motherwell, before both started in Düsseldorf four days later. Cyriaque Irié started on the right of midfield in the second leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off, while Niklas Beste was preferred against Werder.

Having so many options gives SC plenty of tactical flexibility on Saturday, depending on how their opponents approach the game. “We’re preparing for everything. That means being ready for them to sit deep, but also for them to press high,” said Schuster. “If you play through their press, they get back quickly and become very compact again.”

As was the case ten years ago, the away end at Paderborn’s Home Deluxe Arena will be sold out, with 1,500 SC supporters making the roughly 500-kilometre trip.

Photo: Ryan Crockett / DeFodi Images