Freiburg will aim to bounce back from a 5-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund, starting league action slowly after the winter break to drop from third to sixth. VfB Stuttgart have slipped into an automatic relegation spot with poor form, a host of injuries and COVID stress all coming together. The three-time Bundesliga champions have failed to find the net in their last four matches as well. Freiburg did recover famously to thrash Hoffenheim in midweek to reach the German Cup quarter-finals, while Stuttgart had all week to work on a game plan. Back Stuttgart to eke out a shock win at good odds. 1:2
Nico Schlotterbeck, Mark Flekken and Kiliann Sildillia could all return after COVID-19. Keven Schlotterbeck is suffering with a stomach virus. Belgian U21 defender Hugo Siquet has joined to bolster options at the back, while Yannik Keitel is fit after an adductor injury. Dino Mavropanos, Mateo Klimowicz, Silas Katompa Mvumpa, Naouirou Ahamada and Wahid Faghir could all return after COVID, while Daniel Didavi is also back in training. Borna Sosa is struggling with a muscle injury. Omar Marmoush is with Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations. Erik Thommy has a pelvic injury and is ruled out. Mohamed Sankoh faces six months out with a serious knee injury.
Freiburg have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 11 home matches against Stuttgart in all competitions. Stuttgart have failed to score in their last 4 matches (Bundesliga). There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 6 of Freiburg's last 7 games (Bundesliga). There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Stuttgart's last 3 away games (Bundesliga).