PREVIEW | Freiburg vs FC Basel: International derby awaits SCF

After a one year absence, Freiburg return to Europa League action on Wednesday night. FC Basel are the visitors to the Europa-Park Stadion, making the 73km journey across the Swiss-German border. As such, SCF head coach Julian Schuster dubbed the game an “international derby” once the draw had been made.

After a difficult start to their 2025/26 campaign with successive defeats in the Bundesliga against Augsburg and Köln, Freiburg will come into this game full of confidence after wins against Stuttgart (3-1) and Werder Bremen (3-0) in their last two league games.

Speaking ahead of Freiburg’s clash against Basel, Schuster relished their opening Europa League game: “For me, it’s a derby. Just because of how close the two clubs are. For all the Swiss fans as well, it’s not a long journey. Everything points towards an exciting occasion and I’m really looking forward to it all.”

Schuster also commented on Freiburg’s improved form following their defeat against Köln prior to the international break, adding: “The international break came at the right time and we made sure to use it wisely and to work hard.”

SCF’s head coach also remained tight-lipped on how his side will line up, but stated that everyone is available: “It’s good that everyone is fit and well rested after the game in Bremen. The decision making process in a number of positions is more nuanced.”

One player that Basel will need to keep an eye on is Vincenzo Grifo. Freiburg’s attacking-midfielder was named in Get German Football News’ Team of the Week after scoring a goal and providing an assist against Werder Bremen at the weekend. The 32-year-old scored eight goals and created 11 in the Bundesliga last season, and has started the current campaign in strong fashion.

Noah Atubolu’s development has also been impressive. The German youth international replaced Mark Flekken as the club’s No. 1 goalkeeper in 2023 and after an excellent campaign last season, has already broken a Bundesliga record this season after saving five successive penalties. It’s only a matter of time before the 23-year-old is called up to the full German national team, and Julian Nagelsmann and his coaching staff will be sure to have a close eye on Freiburg’s stopper in European competition.

Xherdan Shaqiri: “We don’t have to hide”

Speaking to Kicker ahead of Basel’s cross-border clash with Freiburg, former Bayern Munich and Liverpool attacker discussed the Bundesliga club.

“If you grow up in the Basel region, you’ll naturally be familiar with Freiburg,” said Shaqiri. “In recent years, Freiburg has established itself in German football, and these days it can aim for more in the top division, which is a fantastic development.”

Unlike Schuster, Shaqiri believes it’s more of a friendly atmosphere between the two clubs. “I think we can call it a game between friends,” added the 33-year-old. “Basel and southern Germany are very closely connected, many Basel residents also go to Freiburg to watch games or even have season tickets for Freiburg. I’m definitely looking forward to the match.”

When asked about which team is bigger, Shaqiri remained neutral: “In my opinion, it will be a match on equal terms. Sure, Freiburg play in a much stronger league in the Bundesliga than the Super League, but we don’t have to hide.”

Basel lifted the Swiss Super League last season for the first time since 2017 but missed out on Champions League football after losing to Copenhagen, dropping them into the Europa League but they come into this game in relatively good form with four wins in six league games.

SC Freiburg vs FC Basel Predicted Line-Ups

Freiburg: Atubolu – Kübler, Ginter, Lienhart, Makengo – Eggestein, Osterhage – Beste, Manzambi, Grifo – Höler

Basel: Hitz – Tsunemoto, Barisic, Adjetey, Schmid – Metinho, Leroy – Salah, Shaqiri, Otele – Ajeti

GGFN | Daniel Pinder