Rennes can work through both wingbacks and keep Strasbourg defending its box. Strasbourg have a direct route through the space those wingbacks leave. Freiburg and Bayern also have opposing ways to win the first pass: Freiburg can press into a corner, while Bayern can reach their wide creators quickly. The second delivery after an opening chance is central to both games.
Rongier and Thomasson should move Rennes toward Nagida or Frankowski, with Al-Tamari receiving across the box. Strasbourg's Essugo-to-Yassine release can find Reyna and Harder before the home back line settles. Panichelli and Nanasi were already absent when that trio created against PSG; Rennes' Lepaul missed Juventus and remains out, leaving Dia and Al-Tamari as the proven recent finishers after a short turnaround. I expect Rennes to gain wide territory and Strasbourg to keep an active reply. That's why I'm siding with Strasbourg to keep the contest close.
Freiburg can send Matanović and Suzuki toward Bayern's changed first pass and use Beste or Grifo to reach the first and second corner contact. Bayern still have Kane and a returning Olise for a quick answer. Pavlović played Arsenal but is now out, Kimmich remains absent, and Neuer also played Arsenal before his current absence; Freiburg's Suzuki played part of Monaco, while Engelhardt left early and is doubtful. Those changes put more weight on Freiburg's press and home restart supply as the match develops. That's why I'm siding with Freiburg to stay within reach.
