Nantes will host Freiburg in the Europa League group stage just seven days after meeting on matchday No. 3. Freiburg stormed to a 2-0 home win against Nantes and are now looking to do the double.
The Breisgau-Brasilianer go into the match following a 2-2 league draw with Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga.
🏠🔜 @EuropaLeague pic.twitter.com/wz0OhzXaDW— FC Nantes (@FCNantes) October 11, 2022
🏠🔜 @EuropaLeague pic.twitter.com/wz0OhzXaDW
The draw damaged the Breisgau-Brasilianer's hopes of winning the Bundesliga. Freiburg are in fine form despite the draw, as they are unbeaten in 10 straight games in all competitions.
Nantes are not in form and struggling on all fronts. The reigning Coupe de France winners have had a terrible season up to this point. Nantes are winless in six straight games with five of those matches ending in defeat.
The Canaries lost each of their last three games in all competitions. They followed up the 2-0 defeat in Germany with a 3-0 away defeat to Rennes in Ligue 1 at the weekend.
Nantes still have a chance to progress to the knockout stage of the Europa League. However, they need to defeat Freiburg on Thursday night and win the two remaining games of their Europa League campaign. It will be difficult for Nantes to get a win in any of their next three European games.
Freiburg are top of Group G with nine points from three games in the group. They have conceded just one goal in the competition while scoring seven times.
A win against Nantes and a Qarabag loss to Olympiacos in the other group game would give Freiburg the inside track to qualification to the next round.
Freiburg coach Christian Streich could rotate the side with the team battling for the top spot in the Bundesliga. Defenders Manuel Gulde and Hugo Siquet are both major doubts to play due to injury.
Midfielder Roland Sallai has an eye injury and is unlikely to make the trip to France. Defender Kim Ezekwem has a tendon injury and is likely to miss the game.
Nantes defender Fabio da Silva has a knee sprain that will likely keep him from playing on Thursday night. Defender Fabien Centonze has a hamstring injury and will most likely sit out the game.
Freiburg are flying in the Europa League with three wins from three games. The Breisgau-Brasilianer should make it four wins from four games against Nantes on Thursday.
Daniel Kofi Kyereh and Vicnezo Grifo scored the goals for Freiburg a week ago. Grifo is in good form and should lead Freiburg to a 1-0 win against a struggling Nantes.