Bayer 04 – Freiburg: Preview
We have the predictions for the encounter between Bayer and Freiburg in the sixth round of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season.
"Bayer" is in fourth place among the best teams, three points behind the leaders. "Freiburg" occupies first place in the table and is the closest competitor, with better additional indicators.
Key Points
Bayer 04
1. "Bayer" gained a great boost after the first round
The start for Carlos Martínez’s team was not favorable: a 2‑3 home defeat against the newly promoted elite side, "Elfersberg". A poor debut, but the situation stabilized immediately: in the last four fixtures Bayer has earned ten points, losing only two with a draw against "Augsburg" (2‑2). In that stretch, no one accumulated more points than the "pharmacists". Additionally, Bayer has four consecutive wins in all competitions, including a 4‑0 victory over "Lech" in the Europa League. They have an excellent chance to return to the title race.
2. The bench is full, but there are no new losses
First, Bayer has problems on the right side of the defense: Gela Dué and Mortell Calbert are injured. Only Lucas Vásquez remains, which the coach does not see as an option, and Jarel Quansa has no alternative. Moreover, midfielders Kenneth Eichhorn and Ellis Ben Seiger are recovering from injuries. Forward Cristian Cofane is also doubtful, but it is not a total loss, as Patrick Schick, at the front, is fit and has scored in five consecutive matches. A slight rotation is expected after the European fixtures, with no risk to the result.
3. The "pharmacists" are strong in attack, scoring in every game
This is especially true in the Bundesliga. Bayer’s goal streak is 17 matches: no other team has a longer streak in the league. Across all competitions this season, they have scored 24 goals in eight matches, with a constant average of at least two goals. Patrick Schick is on fire: he scored in every round, with five goals leading the top scorer race. If he scores again, the Czech will break the club’s record for the longest individual start streak. The home side’s motivation is enough, all for the win.
Freiburg
1. "Freiburg" leads and has not lost this season
Is it necessary to remember that Freiburg had the best start in its history? Probably not, as this is the second time this season and the fifth time in history that the team leads the table, and it has not suffered any defeats in various competitions. The main goal now is not to lose points, as in the last five cases the table leader lost. Moreover, it must be recognized that the previous schedule was quite easy against competitors, and now "Freiburg" will face a European representative for the first time, and afterwards the opponents will be even more difficult. It is a good time to test their capabilities.
2. Suguri is suspended, the attack needs slight reconfigurations
Formally, before this game, Freiburg’s main losses are concentrated in the defensive line: Lorenzo Muslia, Bruno Ogbus and Berkay Yilmaz are injured. All defenders, but also no longer part of the main rotation. Therefore, key reconfigurations will be in the attack. In the previous round, attacking midfielder Yuto Suguri was sent off, but the team managed to win even in the deficit. The Japanese will be replaced in the forward position by the experienced Lucas Höller. No other surprises are expected, even after the European fixtures.
3. Brisgau has not beaten the "pharmacists" in four years
"Freiburg" is in an uncomfortable situation: being league leader after five rounds, it remains in the clear outsider position. And there are enough difficulties: an away match against the first serious rival, the leadership has not been defended before. Moreover, it now faces an uncomfortable rival: the last victory of "Freiburg" over "Bayer" was recorded more than four years ago. In seven matches in this stretch, Brisgau suffered four defeats and three draws – not so bad, but in the competition plan the team needs only one win.
Approximate Formations
4‑2‑3‑1‑4‑2‑3‑11
Fleckén 3
Güterres 2
Medina 12
Tapsoba 4
Quansa 6
Fernández 24
García 9
Morreira 30
Maza 19
Diabi 14
Schick 1
Bachhaus 29
Troy 28
Ginter 3
Linhart 33
Makengo 8
Eggshtein 16
Engelhardt 19
Bete 9
Höller 7
Sherchant 31
Matović
Trend Bets
"Bayer" won four home matches in the last six games. Bet: P1 at 1.70.
In four of the last five home matches, more than three goals were scored. Bet: TB 3.5 at 2.19.
Forecast
Bayer 04 vs Freiburg
18.10.2026 17:30
The battle for first place in the Bundesliga is in full swing. Now they will face competitors with only a three-point difference – in the best conditions, "Bayer" can overtake "Freiburg" after the direct duel. The odds are quite good. Brisgau has the best start in its history, no defeats and the intention to consolidate at the top. At the same time, the visitors have not faced such strong opponents, and now they will face a team that has not been beaten in more than four years. "Bayer" had a great boost after the first round and the unexpected defeat, and since then the "pharmacists" have accumulated more points than anyone, arriving at this encounter with a series of four victories. Gradually, under the new coach, the hosts are adapting and trying to return to champion level. This game should not disappoint with intrigue, goals are expected on both sides. And yet, we do not expect surprises; at home, "Bayer" should win three points.
Forecast: 2‑1
