The most important match on the Bundesliga’s last day of the season will take place at the Europa-Park Stadion, as fourth-placed Freiburg welcome Eintracht Frankfurt, who are one position above them, with significant stakes on the line.
Frankfurt only need a draw to guarantee their spot in the Champions League. However, a defeat could allow both Freiburg and Borussia Dortmund to surpass them in the final standings.
On the other hand, Freiburg cannot settle for a draw as they are closely pursued by fifth-placed Dortmund, who are facing already-relegated Holstein Kiel. The hosts' determination to secure a win could be the decisive factor in their favor on Saturday.
Team news
Freiburg have welcomed back key players at a crucial moment, as first-choice goalkeeper Noah Atubolu is ready to play after a shoulder injury, and Junior Atamu has returned from suspension.
However, Bruno Ogbus has joined Daniel-Kofi Kyereh on the injury list, and Eren Dinkci is uncertain to feature.
Frankfurt also have their first-choice goalkeeper, Kevin Trapp, available again after recovering from a shin injury. However, they will be missing Kaua Santos and Mario Gotze due to their respective injuries.
The stats
Freiburg have emerged victorious in four of their last five matches.
In this sequence, their only dropped points came from a 2-2 draw with Bayer Leverkusen.
Frankfurt's solitary away win in seven matches was against bottom-placed Bochum.
Freiburg have suffered defeat in only two of their last 14 games.
Frankfurt have failed to score in three of their previous five away matches.
In seven of Freiburg’s last eight games, both teams have found the back of the net.
Prediction
If Dortmund manage to avoid a major upset in their game against Holstein Kiel, Freiburg will be under pressure to secure a victory and solidify their fourth position with all three points against Frankfurt.
Freiburg have finished the season strongly, winning four of their last five matches and only being held to a draw by Bayer Leverkusen. Their confidence will be high, especially considering Frankfurt's recent struggles on the road.
Eintracht's lone away victory in seven games occurred against bottom-placed Bochum. Since losing key player Omar Marmoush to Manchester City in January, they have not been at their best.
Although Frankfurt secured a 4-1 win over Freiburg in Marmoush's final game, their form has declined with just six wins in the following 16 Bundesliga matches. They are likely to struggle against Freiburg, who can clinch the Champions League spot they deserve with a win on Saturday.