Europa League: Unfashionable Duo Go For Glory

SC Freiburg vs West Ham United

Neither may be the most fashionable club in their country but there is no doubting that these representatives from Germany and England are in the Europa League on merit and that makes this group stage meeting a potentially enjoyable spectacle.

It also offers the chance for either Freiburg or West Ham to take control of a group they both could well emerge from, but from which the benefits are greater for the side which finishes first (thus avoiding an extra play-off round next spring).

Talking Points

Let’s begin with the home side who are picking up form at a useful time.

Their 2-0 win over Augsburg in the Bundesliga on Sunday was a third successive match unbeaten, and perhaps even more pleasing for coach Christian Streich, a second consecutive clean sheet.

The demands of this competition and the Thursday-Sunday schedule can trouble even squads with the most depth but it is a challenge the side from Germany’s sunny southwest absolutely relish, having topped their group unbeaten last season and beginning the current campaign with a thrilling 3-2 win at Olympiakos.

That dramatic win will have further boosted spirits as they prepare to host Conference League winners West Ham, who are also a side in decent form.

David Moyes’ men began their Europa League campaign with a 3-1 victory over Backa Topola in London and their trip to Germany will pose few surprises for some in their squad.

That’s because their defence is packed with Bundesliga experience in the shape of former Schalke man and Germany international, Thilo Kehrer, along with Konstantinos Mavropanos, a summer signing from VfB Stuttgart.

While Aaron Creswell is their only known absentee (he is injured as well as suspended), reports suggest the in-form Jarrod Bowen picked up a knock against Sheffield United on Saturday.

That was a match they played largely on their terms with goals from Bowen and Tomas Soucek inside the opening 37 minutes allowing them to save their energy for tougher assignments and protect their legs.

The form of Bowen, in particular, is eye-catching as he shows similar form that earned him an England call-up last year – only Erling Haaland and Son Heung-min have more goals in the top flight than the 26 year-old this term.

It is a nice position to be in and one which is not matched by Freiburg.

Experienced campaigner Christian Günter remains absent with an arm injury and Daniel-Kofi Kyereh is also out with a cruciate ligament problem.

On a brighter note, Nicolas Höfler is eligible to return from domestic suspension, while burly centre-forward Michael Gregoritsch returned from an injury as a substitute in the victory against Ausburg.

As far as Europe is concerned, I am not convinced either of these sides can genuinely emulate holders Sevilla and go deep into the competition.

Yet their recent European history suggests they are written off at their peril.

Streich’s side are unbeaten in Europa League group games since a 2-0 loss at home to the competition specialists, Sevilla, in December 2013 (won five drawn two).

Meanwhile, Conference League holders West Ham have won 15 of their 16 European games since the start of last season.

They have, however, been beaten on their last three competitive visits to Germany – 3-1 at Borussia Dortmund in April 1966 and then at Eintracht Frankfurt in March 1979 (2-1) and May 2022 (1-0) when the German club went onto triumph and lift the silverware.

So the latest European adventure continues and a competition which is going to be guaranteed some big boy arrivals in the New Year.

That makes Europa League highlights and progress as group winners all the more important to highlight the key nature of this clash.

History

This is the first competitive meeting between Freiburg and West Ham, although they did meet in 1924 when the Hammers became the first team to visit Germany after World War One.

It will also be Freiburg’s first encounter with an English club in UEFA competition – the 12th different nation they have faced.

Betting Tip

These are two sides who the SBOTOP Europa League betting odds have evenly matched.

The home side can be backed 1X2 @ 2.57 and Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 1.97 with the Hammers on offer 1X2 @ 2.43 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.20.

Goals are the most valuable currency in football so it’s worth looking at Total Goal 0-1 @ 4.20, 2-3 @ 1.91 and 4-6 @ 2.68.

Over 3.00 goals @ 2.00 is another option.

I think this will a draw and I have considered Correct Score 1-1 @ 6.00 but have opted for 1X2 Draw @ 3.15 as my *** prediction.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.