Freiburg vs West Ham
UEFA Europa League
Round of 16
Thursday
7th March 2024
Europa-Park Stadion
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the UEFA Europa League fixture between Freiburg and West Ham.
Freiburg vs West Ham: Preview
Freiburg form analysis
Freiburg’s recent European form highlights an impressively efficient and clinical side going about their business with minimum fuss. They began their Europa League campaign in style by thrashing Cypriot champions TSC 5-0 at home on November 10th, with the likes of Röhl, Weisshaupt and Doan on target in a comfortable victory. Freiburg doubled down on this ruthless start by replicating the same scoreline in a 5-0 demolition of Greek giants Olympiakos just three weeks later. Talisman Gregoritsch grabbed a hat-trick as they underlined their potency in the final third.
However, familiar struggles to break down organized defenses resurfaced on December 15th in a surprise 2-0 defeat away to West Ham. Nevertheless, Freiburg bounced back to earn a valuable 0-0 draw away to dangerous French side Lens on February 16th, grinding out a dogged defensive display to stay in the tie ahead of the return leg. This resilience served them well as despite falling 2-0 behind at home, Freiburg roared back through Sallai’s late double before Gregoritsch completed the comeback with a stoppage-time winner in an epic 3-2 victory. Overall, the side plays an efficient, well-drilled style, suffocating through high pressing while displaying a ruthless edge in attack when chances arise. If they maintain this level, Freiburg have all the tools to go far in the Europa League.
West Ham form analysis
West Ham United’s recent Europa League form paints the picture of a pragmatic, efficient side going about their business with increasing control and authority. They started the campaign with a pair of hard-fought away wins – edging past Freiburg 2-1 in Germany on October 5th before battling to a 2-1 victory in Greece against Olympiakos three weeks later. In both matches, West Ham showed resilience to come from behind, relying on the goal-scoring exploits of Lucas Paquetá to turn the tide. Paquetá was at it again on November 10th, netting the only goal in a gritty 1-0 home success over the Greek champions to keep the Hammers perfect.
West Ham’s defensive resolve really came to the fore during the reverse fixtures however – securing a backs-to-the-wall 1-0 win away to Cypriot minnows TSC before shutting out dangerous Freiburg in a 2-0 home triumph built on lightning counter-attacks through Kudus and Alvarez. Overall, David Moyes’ side have displayed the hallmarks of a typical West Ham cup side – well-organized, brutally effective on the break, and able to grind out narrow wins through sheer collective will. Maintaining this steely mentality will be crucial to securing Europa League progress against daunting last 16 opposition Freiburg.
