Trabzonspor
Thomas Reis has confirmed that Franculino and Aral Şimşir will remain unavailable until the international break. Their absence leaves Trabzonspor with few attacking alternatives, making Paul Onuachu the obvious candidate to lead the line after his return to the starting XI against Gaziantep. Mohamed Salah offers width and a direct threat on the right, while Ernest Muçi and Noah Saviolo are expected to complete the attacking unit.
A suspension forces another change at left-back. Sidny Lopes Cabral was sent off late against Hearts, so Mustafa Eskihellaç is the leading replacement. Stefan Savić and Chibuike Nwaiwu started together in the most recent league victory and could retain their partnership, with Fabinho anchoring midfield. Reis highlighted Freiburg's aggressive pressing in his pre-match comments. Trabzonspor have won both Conference League fixtures so far, but their depleted forward options could make escaping that pressure and supplying Onuachu more difficult.
SC Freiburg
Igor Matanović has strengthened his claim for a starting place by scoring against Wolfsburg in the cup and then coming off the bench to equalise at Augsburg. Cyriaque Irié grabbed the winner in that league game, giving Julian Schuster several options across the front line. Lucas Höler could make way for Matanović, with Yuito Suzuki operating behind the striker and Vincenzo Grifo challenging Derry Scherhant on the left.
Freiburg have received encouraging news in defence. Lukas Kübler returned to team training after leaving the Augsburg match early with a bleeding nose, while Philipp Treu also trained following an ankle problem. Neither update alone confirms a start, although Kübler remains a plausible right-back selection. Matthias Ginter, Philipp Lienhart and Jordy Makengo formed the rest of the back four at the weekend.
The visitors need a response to their Conference League defeat in Monaco. Protecting the central areas against Paul Onuachu while containing Mohamed Salah's deliveries from the right will be a demanding test.
