Freiburg vs. RB Leipzig: DFB Cup final probable teams, match stats and LIVE blog!

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An astonishing season for Freiburg, which has already seen them finish sixth in the Bundesliga and earn a place in the UEFA Europa League, could still get even better as they look to win a major trophy for the first time in their 118-year history. They are the 40th different club to make it to the DFB Cup final, with the road to Berlin taking them around the country for wins away at Würzburger Kickers (1-0), Osnabrück (2-2 - 3-2 on penalties), Hoffenheim (4-1), Bochum (2-1 after extra-time) and Hamburg (3-1). History is not on their side, given the four previous clubs making their DFB Cup final debut in the last 20 years all failed to score, but Freiburg have the vastly experienced head of coach Christian Streich to guide them. His biggest question is whether to go with Lucas Höler or Nils Petersen up top. Although the latter is the top-scoring substitute in Bundesliga history, his 19 career DFB Cup goals have all been as a starter. The game will also be the last in Freiburg colours for centre-back Schlotterbeck. He is joining Borussia Dortmund this summer. But will he have a shiny medal to show his new teammates?

Nkunku has picked up plenty of accolades already this year, with four Player of the Month awards and now also the Bundesliga's Player of the Season trophy. The France international has been the catalyst behind Leipzig's brilliant 2022, guiding Die Roten Bullen to fourth in the Bundesliga, the UEFA Europa League semi-finals and now the club's third DFB Cup final in their 13-year history. They are also seeking a first major trophy, after losing the 2019 final 3-0 to Bayern Munich and coming up short last year against Dortmund (4-1). Leipzig have seen off Sandhausen (4-0), Babelsberg (1-0), Hansa Rostock (2-0), Hannover (4-0) and Union Berlin (2-1) to get here again. It took a 92nd-minute Emil Forsberg winner to beat Union, and the Swede could be rewarded with a start at the Olympiastadion. It leaves the likes of Dani Olmo and Dominik Szoboszlai with a place on the bench. Tyler Adams is also an option in midfield, while the return of Amadou Haidara means coach Domenico Tedesco has a fully fit squad to choose from.

Match stats

Vincenzo Grifo's four DFB Cup goals in 2021/22 equals Freiburg's season record and leaves him just one off Robert Glatzel at the top of this campaign's scoring chart.

Höler is the competition's top provider with five assists, coming one every 70 minutes.

The final is Streich's 396th match as Freiburg coach. It is Leipzig's 396th match at professional level.

Nkunku is Leipzig's top goal threat in the DFB Cup with three goals and assists each. His record in all competitions this season is 34 goals and 18 assists from 51 games.

Leipzig conceded just one goal in their five matches on the way to the final, which is their third in the last four years.

Die Roten Bullen and the Black Forest club were promoted to the Bundesliga together in 2016. Freiburg topped the Bundesliga 2 table that season, but Leipzig have the better overall head-to-head record (W6, D4, L4).

Probable teams

Freiburg: Flekken - Kübler, Lienhart, N. Schlotterbeck, Günter (c) - Eggestein, Höfler - Sallai, Jeong, Grifo - Höler

Out: Schade (abdominals), Weißhaupt (shoulder)

Doubtful: Keitel (broken toe)

Coach: Christian Streich

Leipzig: Gulacsi (c) - Simakan, Orban, Gvardiol - Henrichs, Laimer, Kampl, Angelino - Forsberg - Nkunku, Silva

Out: -

Doubtful: -

Coach: Domenico Tedesco

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