Bayer Leverkusen are in a tight race for a top-four finish, but their form is questionable. They haven't won three matches in a row: a goalless draw against Olympiacos in the Champions League, a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Union Berlin, and a narrow 1-0 victory over Hamburg, decided by a single goal. Leverkusen has clearly weakened physically and is struggling to convert their chances.
Freiburg are in eighth place and are also fighting for a European spot, although their chances are slim. They look very fresh compared to their rivals: Julian Schuster's men have won three of their last four matches (against Borussia M, Werder Bremen, and Hertha Berlin in the Cup), but their overall goal tally remains negative.
Head-to-head matches are traditionally tightly contested. Bayer beat Freiburg 2-0 at home in the first round, but last season the teams had higher-scoring matches in Freiburg (2-2 and 5-1). Given that the hosts are in excellent form and the visitors are tired from European competition and making mistakes at the back, a goal-scoring draw seems the most likely outcome.
