Bundesliga strugglers Stuttgart are looking to build on weekend’s victory over Borussia M’gladbach and secure their place in the DFB Pokal final, but in-form Freiburg arrive at Mercedes-Benz Arena high on spirits having recorded three straight victories in the league.

The Swabians have found it hard to balance between their Europa League and Bundesliga campaigns and they have in turn failed to live up to their potential.

Stuttgart were soundly beaten by Lazio in the Europa League Last 16 stage, while they have only recently managed to secure Bundesliga survival.

As a result, the club officials are already making plans for the 2013/2014 season and looking for ways to improve the squad, so it is fair to say the players are now playing for their future.

DFB Pokal triumph would certainly be a huge boost for the club in such difficult times, but Stuttgart first need to see off Freiburg in order to earn a chance to fight for the trophy.

The hosts do plan to build on the 2-0 victory over Gladbach and are 2.40 (7/5) at William Hill to win the game in regular time.

Christian Gentner has marked his return to the side with a goal, while captain Serdar Tasci could return from an Achilles problem.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Ulreich – Sakai, Tasci, Niedermeier, Molinaro – Gentner, Boka – Harnik, Maxim, Traore – Ibisevic.

Seeing as how Freiburg have been spending most of the time since returning to the top flight in 2009 near the relegation zone, it was a big surprise to see Christian Streich’s side in the top half of the standings this term.

Not only did the team ensured the Bundesliga survival well ahead of the season finale, but they are now in a position to fight for Champions League places.

Following three successive victories in the league, Freiburg sit just one point adrift of fourth-placed Schalke, and face three bottom-table sides in the final four matches.

The interesting thing is they will visit Mercedes-Benz Arena two times in the space of four days, but the DFB Pokal clash against Stuttgart has the priority at the moment.

With the team in excellent form at the moment, there may be some value in backing Freiburg at odds of 3.20 (11/5) offered at bet365.

The visitors will have Pavel Krmas and Jan Rosenthal back to the side, but Sebastian Freis, Marco Terrazzino and Johannes Flum are out injured.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-2-2): Baumann – Mujdza, Krmas, Diagne, Sorg – Ginter, Schuster – Schmid, Caliguri – Rosenthal, Kruse.

Win Tickets to The CL Final at Wembley!

888 are giving you the chance to WIN tickets to the Champions League Final at Wembley!
You could win:
• 2 Tickets to Champions League Final, in London!
• 1 night accommodation in a 4* hotel in London!
• £400 spending money!

The 2nd and 3rd placed finishers will receive FREE BETS of £500 and £250 respectively.

In order to be eligible, you simply have to:
1. Register – to our 5 LIVE promotion before May 12th.
2. Bet – Place a multiple bet of at least £/€/$5.

Register Now