SC are set to go into this weekend’s game the more rested side, in what is a clash between two DFB-Pokal semi-finalists. Leverkusen are coming off the back of three straight weeks of midweek matches and have two more ahead of them in their Champions League round of 16 tie with Arsenal. Kasper Hjulmand’s team spent Wednesday evening in Hamburg, beating Hamburger SV 1-0 in a rescheduled game thanks to a goal from Christian Kofane. “Even with their injury issues, there is still enough quality on the pitch to make them a challenging team to play against,” said SC head coach Julian Schuster on Leverkusen’s performance at the Volksparkstadion.

While Saturday’s opponents have to deal with losing key players like goalkeeper Mark Flekken, the personnel situation at SC is becoming a lot easier. Johan Manzambi and Niklas Beste are set to return to the squad, having served their suspensions. “Anyone who’s seen him knows how much he’s just raring to go,” said Schuster about Manzambi, who has missed the last three games. “We’ve been able to use the time effectively and had plenty of training throughout those weeks, working on speed and athleticism.” As for Beste, who only missed the Frankfurt game, Schuster said: “Niki is clearly getting better.”

Lukas Kübler and Philipp Lienhart are edging closer to a return to the pitch. “Kübi trained every day this week and managed to complete some sections with the rest of the team. Philipp took part fully this week and could be an option to come back into the squad,” explained Schuster.

Set pieces could be key

SC have struggled against the top teams recently. Now, they have another chance to cause an upset against the 2024 champions. “It’s been a trend for years and is an issue for us, which we see as an opportunity.” According to Schuster, you’d need “a whole afternoon” to explain the reasons why SC struggle against the top sides. “One thing is that, because of how we normally approach games, we have to make more adjustments than other teams.”

SC have scored 47% of their goals this season from set pieces, while Leverkusen seem to struggle, having conceded 38% of their goals from dead balls. SC are also unbeaten at the Europa-Park Stadion in 15 competitive matches – another statistic that should give the Breisgau side hope.

Photo: SC Freiburg