A busy week is coming to an end, but SCF need to regenerate quickly following an intense DFB-Pokal win over VfL Osnabrück in midweek. “We invested a lot,” said head coach Christian Streich on the game, which Freiburg can take a lot from. “We turned the game around and won a penalty shoot out – mentally we’re absolutely ready and full of anticipation for Saturday.”

There is extra reason for fans to be excited for Saturday, as the Europa-Park Stadion will be allowed to operate at full capacity for the first time ever. 34,700 fans are expected on the weekend as Streich’s still undefeated side look to build on their third-place position in the table.

Despite the strong start to the season, Streich does not think fans will necessarily expect a win against Saturday’s visitors, who are yet to pick up a victory this season and sit bottom of the table. “Our supporters are too smart for that,” said Streich, who also said that he did not get the impression that he has to protect his team from complacency.

Doing so would be wrong, especially given Fürth’s performance last time out against RB Leipzig. “They could have been 2-0 or 3-0 up at half time but didn’t take their chances. They played real football with self confidence,” said the head coach, who added that his side needed, like in every Bundesliga game, to “do a lot right” if they want to pick up points on the weekend.

In terms of team news, there are a few doubts for Frankfurt going into Saturday’s game with the Pokal fight during the week leaving its mark on the squad. Several players are still working on major and minor problems ahead of the Fürth encounter.

Nicolas Höfler, Nico SChlotterbeck and Philipp Lienhart are doubts, while Nils Petersen, Roland Sallai (both knee), Jonathan Schmid and Kimberley Ezekwem (both in rehabilitation training) will not play.