Qarabag vs Freiburg prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2022-11-02 17:45.
Qarabağ will welcome Freiburg for the final game of UEFA Europa League (UEL) Group G with plenty on the line for the home side. Despite being unbeaten at home in this competition's group stages (W1, D1), the Baku-based side have not made life easy for themselves (W2, D1, L2), illustrated when conceding in added time in a 1-2 defeat to third-placed Nantes in their last UEL outing. Victory here will guarantee their place in the knockout round playoffs, but a stalemate or defeat will bring other results (and potentially even tiebreakers) into play.
The hosts have been flawless in their domestic endeavours (W11) this term and succeeded in reaching the knockout rounds of the Europa Conference League for the first time last season. Therefore, Qarabağ fans will hope manager Gurban Gurbanov, who has been in charge since 2008, will use his experience to steer them through here, though it appears unlikely based on history after winning just two of their last 18 group games in UEFA competition (D7, L9).
Freiburg are not working under the same constraints, or any constraints for that matter having already guaranteed their first knockout stage appearance in UEFA competition with four wins from five fixtures (D1). The domination of the Breisgau Brazilians during this group stage was illustrated by a six-point lead that was a joint-high across the entire competition after five rounds. With crucial Bundesliga clashes against fellow top-six clubs Leipzig and Union Berlin in mind, this presents a valuable opportunity to rest and refresh key personnel.
The Germans have surprised many in their first European group stage appearance since 2013/14 and credit must go to manager Christian Streich, who is currently the longest serving active manager in Europe’s ‘Big Five’ leagues, making this a battle between two of the most experienced managers in the game! Perhaps it’ll be Freiburg’s ominous away record that ultimately settles this contest, with the visitors having lost just one of their last ten away games (W6, D3) including a 2-0 victory over Schalke last weekend.
Players to watch: Three of Qarabağ forward Owusu Kwabena’s last four goals have been match openers in 3-0 victories for his side, whilst only Braga forward Vitinha (four) had scored more UEL goals this campaign than Freiburg’s Michael Gregoritsch (three) going into the round.
Hot streak: Qarabağ have lost all five of their UEFA contests against German opponents.