West Ham vs Freiburg betting preview: odds and predictions
TOP spot in a Europa League group brings a notable reward so there’s plenty at stake when West Ham host Freiburg on Thursday night.
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Quick betting tips for West Ham vs Freiburg
- Freiburg to win – 3/1 with Spreadex
- Eggestein 2+ shots – 5/4 with bet365
- Paqueta to score at any time – 7/2 with Sky Bet
West Ham vs Freiburg odds
Here are the latest match odds for West Ham vs Freiburg from our top-rated football bookies. Odds are subject to change.
West Ham vs Freiburg betting preview
There have been a few ‘dead’ games in the Champions League this week but Europa League rules mean they are few and far between in the ‘second tier’ competition.
Group winners go straight into the last 16, whereas the runners-up face two extra games – those finishing second will have to compete in a two-legged, last-32 tie against one of the teams who finished third in a Champions League pool.
So, while both West Ham and Freiburg have already ensured progress to the knockout stage, both will be keen to get the result they need here in order to avoid those extra games in the New Year.
For West Ham, that result is a draw; Freiburg need to win the match.
The Hammers would normally be confident of avoiding defeat. After all, they’ve lost only one of their last 20 European matches.
The problem is their squad was badly affected by an illness bug at the weekend and they subsequently slumped to a 5-0 loss at Fulham, a game they had gone into on a good run of form.
Some players may have recovered but others may now be affected – it’s hard to know for sure – but, regardless, it has been a hectic period for the Hammers and one set to continue with a Carabao Cup quarter-final and the festive Premier League programme approaching.
If the squad is again depleted (or fatigued players are in need of a rest), Freiburg are capable of taking advantage.
They sit eighth in the Bundesliga and are the top scorers in the Europa League group stage.
The Germans have won four of their last six in all competitions and, given the circumstances, look a decent bet at the price.
West Ham vs Freiburg key stats
- West Ham have won 18 and drawn one of their last 20 European matches.
- The reverse fixture between these sides in September saw the Hammers win 2-1 in Germany.
- With 17 goals scored in their five games, Freiburg are the top scorers in the Europa League group stage.
- Only Rennes and Leverkusen (3) have conceded fewer goals than West Ham (4) in the group stage so far.
- Edson Alvarez could return after being one of those affected by a stomach bug at the weekend. However, Michail Antonio remains sidelined by injury.
West Ham vs Freiburg best bets
Find our best bets for the West Ham vs Freiburg game below. Odds for the bets are provided by the best sportsbooks per our expert reviews. Odds in the bettings tips are subject to change.
Freiburg to win (Spreadex)
West Ham were mauled by Fulham on Sunday with David Moyes revealing afterwards that his squad had been hit hard by illness.
It’s difficult to know if that problem has cleared up but it was also telling how Moyes spoke about fatigue (they also played last Thursday at Spurs) and he duly gave his squad two days off.
In short, preparation has been far from ideal for this one and so getting with the free-scoring visitors could offer some value on this occasion.
The Germans have netted 17 goals in five Europa League games this season and know a win here will see them avoid a last-32 tie in the New Year.
Back Freiburg to win at 3/1 at Spreadex
Maximilian Eggestein 2+ shots (bet365)
Often described as a defensive midfielder, Eggestein has been pushed forward a bit more in the last couple of months and that has been reflected in his shots numbers.
Eggestein has now landed this bet in seven of his last eight games, including two in this competition.
Therefore, getting odds-against about this outcome looks worthy of support.
Bet on Eggestein 2+ shots at 5/4 at bet365
Lucas Paqueta anytime scorer (Sky Bet)
Even if West Ham do lose, they seem likely to score – Freiburg haven’t got the best defensive record in the German Bundesliga and shipped two when West Ham beat them in the reverse fixture.
Paqueta has already scored in three of five Europa League games this season and he’s been one of West Ham’s leading shot-takers.
The Brazilian looks overpriced at 7/2 and is certainly a good alternative for those unconvinced by our suggestion of backing the visitors to win the game.
Back Paqueta to score at any time at 7/2 at Sky Bet
How to watch West Ham vs Freiburg
- Location: London Stadium, England
- Time: 20:00 GMT on Thursday, December 14
- Where to watch: TNT Sports 1
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