Leipzig have won their last two league matches and climbed into eighth place, five points behind Freiburg who in fourth are the only unbeaten team in the league and inaugurating their new stadium in the game.

Last season’s runners-up also need a good result to bolster morale ahead of next week’s Champions League game at Paris Saint-Germain. They have lost the first two matches in the elite event against Manchester City and Club Brugge.

“The match on Saturday is very important for us, the respect for Freiburg very high. We need this victory and we need the best performance of the season,” Marsch told reporters on Thursday.

Marsch said that Christopher Nkunku and Nordi Mukiele are ready to play after not being able to complete training on Wednesday.

Leipzig have won six of the 10 Bundesliga duels with Freiburg, including two 3-0 wins last season. But Freiburg beat Leipzig at home in 2018 and 2019, and with their coach Christian Streich rated highly by Marsch.

“The team has not only been strong this season. They are a good group and always dangerous from dead-ball situations,” Marsch said, naming Streich “a super coach.”