Freiburg vs West Ham Prediction and Betting Tips: End-to-end battle on the cards

For the third time this season, Freiburg and West Ham will meet in European competition, and there's plenty to play for in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 clash.

The two teams will lock horns at the Europa-Park Stadion for their latest meeting and West Ham will travel with plenty of optimism, having won the previous two encounters.

David Moyes' side triumphed in both games during the group stage, meaning they booked their place in the last-16, while Freiburg had to overcome Lens in the play-offs.

Team News

Freiburg coach Christian Streich is without several first-team stars due to injury, with Daniel Kofi-Kyereh, Lukas Kubler, Kenneth Schmidt and Max Rosenfelder all considered long-term absentees.

Philipp Leinhart has recovered from a groin injury, but after nearly three months on the sidelines, he is likely to start on the bench. Leinhart is also just one caution away from a suspension.

West Ham's Maxwel Cornet is likely to miss both legs of this Europa League tie due to a thigh problem, but he is the Hammers’ only concern.

Predicted XIs

Freiburg (4-4-2): Atubolu; Sildillia, Ginter, Gulde, Gunter; Doan, Eggestein, Hofler, Grifo; Sallai, Holer

West Ham (4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Coufal, Aguerd, Zouma, Emerson; Soucek, Alvarez; Kudus, Ward-Prowse, Paqueta; Bowen

West Ham have already scored four goals past Freiburg this season, but the knockout stages could present a different kind of challenge.

After a run of eight matches without a victory, the Hammers have eased the pressure on Moyes by winning back-to-back games.

However, it is tough to back them with any conviction, as they have lost five of their last eight away games in all competitions.

They have also conceded 14 in their previous five, but keeping clean sheets is Freiburg's issue as well. Both teams have found the back of the net in seven of Freiburg's last nine outings, so it is tough to see a low-scoring affair.

Freiburg will fancy their chances of avoiding defeat after losing only one of their previous 11 at home, and Vincenzo Grifo will be crucial to their chances.

The 30-year-old has scored seven goals in 22 league appearances from midfield, while he has picked up seven assists during that time.

Grifo is Freiburg's penalty taker, so if there is any infringement from a West Ham defender, he should be the one trying to punish them.

The Hammers have been vulnerable at the back and a player of Grifo's quality will look to punish them at every opportunity.