Match Overview

The highly anticipated third-round encounter in the 2025/26 general stage will see German side Freiburg clash with Dutch outfit Utrecht. This crucial match is scheduled for October 23 at the Europa-Park Stadium, promising an exciting contest with our detailed prediction, betting odds analysis, and statistical insights.

Freiburg’s Current Form

Julian Schuster’s squad secured a point in their last fixture, drawing 1-1 away against Bologna. This result means Freiburg has avoided defeat in five of their last six Europa League matches (two wins, three draws). However, the team has scored no more than one goal in five of their previous seven outings in this European competition. The German side currently sits in tenth place in the standings with four points.

• Freiburg has remained undefeated in 9 out of their last 11 home matches in the Europa League (seven wins, two draws).
• At least three goals have been scored in 5 of the team’s last 6 home encounters in this European tournament.
• The German club has scored exactly 1 or 2 goals in 8 of their last 11 home games in the Europa League.

Freiburg’s Predicted Lineup

Freiburg’s Probable Starting XI (4-5-1)*

Noah Atubolu – Jordy Makengo, Philipp Lienhart, Matthias Ginter, Philipp Treu – Vincenzo Grifo, Yoan Manzambi, Patrick Osterhage, Maximilian Eggestein, Jan-Niklas Beste – Junior Adamu.

Midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh and forward Cyriac Irié are expected to miss the match due to injuries.

Utrecht’s Performance Analysis

In their last fixture, Ron Jans’ men suffered a 0-1 defeat away to Brann. Consequently, Utrecht has now experienced two consecutive losses in the Europa League for the first time in their history. Furthermore, the team has failed to score in their last three matches in this European competition. The Dutch side currently has no points in the standings and is among the outsiders, positioned 33rd.

• Utrecht has not lost the second half in 9 of their last 10 away matches in the Europa League (three wins, six draws).
• No more than two goals have been scored in 7 of the team’s previous 10 away games in this European competition.
• Utrecht has conceded exactly one goal in 5 of their last 6 away matches in the Europa League.

Utrecht’s Predicted Lineup

Utrecht’s Probable Starting XI (4-3-3)*

Vassilios Barkas – Siebe Horemans, Mike van der Hoorn, Nick Viergever, Souffian El Karouani – Gjivai Zechiël, Alonzo Tim Engwanda-Onjena, Zidan Iqbal – Adrian Blake, David Min, Miguel Rodriguez.

Forward Yoann Cathline is currently sidelined with an injury.

Match Official

Referee Details

Rohit Saggi (Norway)

• Matches officiated: 13 (International fixtures, 2024/25–2025/26);
• Yellow cards shown (including second yellows): 61;
• Average yellow cards per match: 4.7;
• Red cards shown: 5;
• Average fouls per match: 27;
• Penalties awarded: 31%.

Freiburg vs Utrecht Match Prediction

The German side, playing at home, rarely faces significant difficulties in breaking down opposing defenses. However, Freiburg also cannot boast particularly high scoring rates. In their last 14 home matches in the Europa League, the club has only exceeded two goals twice, and in seven instances during this period, they scored a maximum of one goal.

Utrecht prefers to play on the counter-attack in away fixtures and tends to limit opponents from creating numerous scoring opportunities. In their last ten away matches in the Europa League, the Dutch team conceded more than one goal only once, and in four of those encounters, they managed to keep a clean sheet.

Given Utrecht’s defensive solidity, I believe their defense will be capable enough to withstand the hosts’ attack. Therefore, my prediction is: Freiburg Individual Total Goals Under 2 with odds of 1.65.

Author: Dmitry Shchurko

* The starting lineup listed for each team refers to their previous match in this tournament.