West Ham head to Germany this week to take on Freiburg again in the Europa League and it will be a tough task it seems.
There were some exciting possibilities for West Ham going into the Europa League last 16 draw.
The likes of AC Milan, Roma, Marseille, Benfica and Sporting were all potential opponents.
But the Hammers were drawn to face Freiburg – who they beat home and away in the group stages.
This time of course West Ham fans will be joining the team in Germany.
Hammers head to Freiburg but this time with fan power
After the draw I took an in-depth look at Freiburg’s form since West Ham last faced them in December.
What is clear ahead of the two legs against West Ham is that the German side are very capable of scoring goals. But equally they certainly ship their fair share too.
But Freiburg have showed West Ham they mean business ahead of the Europa League last 16 clash.
The Bundesliga’s ninth placed side played German giants Bayern Munich at the weekend.
Freiburg show form by holding giants Bayern Munich
And they held Thomas Tuchel’s men to a 2-2 draw. Freiburg took the game to Bayern and held an early lead.
Bayern came from behind to lead 2-1. But West Ham’s next opponents struck an 87th minute equaliser.
Freiburg have had an extra day’s rest compared to West Ham ahead of the first leg.
Prior to the Bayern game, they lost 2-1 at Augsburg.
West Ham topped Europa League group A by beating Freiburg 2-0 at the London Stadium on December 14th. Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez got the goals that night.
Moyes’ boys could and should have won more resoundingly. West Ham also beat the Bundesliga side 2-1 in Germany with no Hammers fans present due to that UEFA ban.
West Ham’s opponents good in attack but leaky at the back
West Ham’s last 16 opponents beat Lens 3-2 on aggregate to qualify for the last 16.
The Hammers actually drew 0-0 with Lens in pre-season.
Freiburg fans showed solidarity with West Ham when they unfurled a banner with a message to UEFA in the away game during the group stages.
The German club’s fans then held another banner aloft and had a very distinctive dress code for the game at the London Stadium.
Freiburg vs West Ham will be shown live on TNT Sports on Thursday night. Kick-off is at 8pm.
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