Fortuna Düsseldorf
SC Freiburg
Fortuna Düsseldorf vs SC Freiburg Predictions, Picks & Odds – 23/08/2026
DFB Pokal · 1st RoundFortuna Düsseldorf vs SC Freiburg – Best bets of the match
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Fortuna Düsseldorf vs SC Freiburg Preview
Fortuna Düsseldorf enter this DFB Pokal first-round tie at the Merkur Spiel-Arena as a club in genuine crisis. Their relegation to the 3. Liga at the end of last season has left deep scars, and the turmoil has carried into the new campaign. Coach Alexander Ende faces mounting fan pressure after questionable lineup decisions, with reports of internal power struggles and a disjointed backline that has barely trained together as a unit.
SC Freiburg arrive in Düsseldorf with their own challenges following substantial squad turnover under Julian Schuster. Key midfield departures have forced a tactical reset, while uncertainty around goalkeeper Noah Atubolu's future adds further instability. Their recent form reads poorly, with just one win from the last five outings. Still, Freiburg beat Fortuna 3-1 in this exact fixture last October, and the Bundesliga side's superior quality should tell against third-tier opposition.
SC Freiburg's away win at 1.36 represents the strongest selection here. Fortuna Düsseldorf were relegated to the 3. Liga last season and have started the new campaign in disarray, with coach Alexander Ende facing calls for his sacking after just two matches. Internal power struggles and questionable team selection have compounded the chaos at the Merkur Spiel-Arena.
Freiburg already proved they can handle this fixture, winning 3-1 in the corresponding DFB Pokal tie last October. Düsseldorf have lost nine of their last twelve matches, a run that spans the tail end of their catastrophic relegation season. Julian Schuster's side, despite midfield departures and a goalkeeping reshuffle, still carry Bundesliga quality that a third-tier club in turmoil will struggle to contain.
The over 2.5 goals market at 1.44 also merits consideration. Fortuna's defensive instability, highlighted by a back four that has not started together once this pre-season, suggests they will concede. Freiburg's attacking intent in cup competitions, combined with Düsseldorf's desperation to restore pride at home, points towards an open contest with goals at both ends.
Trends to Know about Fortuna Düsseldorf vs SC Freiburg
- Freiburg beat Düsseldorf 3-1 last season
- Düsseldorf lost nine of twelve recent matches
- Fortuna's internal turmoil weakens home advantage
Form & Statistics: Fortuna Düsseldorf vs SC Freiburg
Fortuna Düsseldorf
Season statistics
SC Freiburg
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Fortuna Düsseldorf vs SC Freiburg: Head-to-Head
Average statistics (recent meetings)
How to Watch Fortuna Düsseldorf vs SC Freiburg Match?
What time is Fortuna Düsseldorf vs SC Freiburg?
Fortuna Düsseldorf host SC Freiburg at the Merkur Spiel-Arena on 23 August 2026, with kickoff at 17:00 BST.
Where is Fortuna Düsseldorf vs SC Freiburg being played?
This DFB Pokal first-round clash takes place at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Düsseldorf.
How Can I Watch Fortuna Düsseldorf vs SC Freiburg on TV and Live Stream?
This DFB Pokal fixture will be available on selected broadcast partners carrying live German cup coverage in India.