Union Berlin vs Union SG – Analysis, Prediction, Team News

As part of our Europa League Predictions, we examine Union SG’s trip to Berlin. These two sides have met already in Group D, with a win apiece and an aggregate score of 1-1. Another tight encounter? Read on with our Union Berlin vs Union SG prediction.

Union Berlin vs Union SG Match Preview

Union Berlin had been doing very well in the Bundesliga and were right up alongside Bayern and Dortmund at the top. However, their last three games have seen a decline in results. Goalless draws with Schalke and Koln came on either side of Bayern’s 3-0 hammering of the capital club in the Allianz. Perhaps Berlin were still tired mentally and physically, as that game came three days after a gruelling second-leg encounter with Ajax. Union Berlin are unlikely to win the Bundesliga now. However, they can still qualify for next season’s Champions League and are also in the quarter-finals of the German Cup.

After finishing second in Group D to their opponents here (with four 1-0 wins and two 1-0 defeats), Berlin progressed to the play-off round for that tie with Ajax. After a goalless draw in the first leg, where the Germans were probably the better team, Berlin won the second leg 3-1 to qualify for this round of 16 tie. A penalty by Knoche and a goal by Juranovic sent them 2-0 ahead. Kudus pulled one back for Ajax before Doekhi finished off the tie
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Domestically, Union SG had been doing well in Belgium. However, their last four games have seen some deterioration. Last week they lost on penalties in the semi-finals of the Belgian Cup to Antwerp. Things could have been better in the league, too, as until the weekend, they hadn’t won for three games. A draw with Club Brugge was followed by 4-2 defeats to Standard Liege and Westerlo. They beat KAS Eupen 2-1 at the weekend, but they are conceding goals and are eight points behind Genk. However, the Pro League has a play-off system, so their title hopes remain.

As stated, Union SG finished top of Group D ahead of their opponents in this match. They won four and drew one of their six games, giving them 13 points, and they had won the group before the final day. Therefore, they qualified directly for this last 16 tie. In the two games between the two Unions, each won 1-0 in the other’s stadium in the first and final games. Indeed, in the last match, Berlin’s win in Belgium was necessary to secure second place, as Braga also won. Now, these teams meet again, knowing they can beat each other.

Team News

Injuries and Suspensions

Union Berlin:

Might Not Play:

Will Not Play: Schafer

Union SG:

Might Not Play: Teuma

Will Not Play:

Union Berlin vs Union SG Lineups (Predicted)

Union Berlin (3-5-2): Ronnow; Knoche, Doekhi, Leite; Juranovic, Haberer, Khedira, Laidouni, Trimmel; Behrens, Becker

Union SG (3-5-2): Moris; Van Der Heyden, Burgess, Sykes; Adingra, Amani, El Azzouzi, Lynen, Lapoussin; Vertessen, Boniface

Our Prediction

This game is challenging to predict, and both teams have had each other’s number away from home this season. Therefore, despite both sides’ recent mediocre form, each will fancy their chances of getting a result. Union SG will travel to Germany knowing that a draw would be a good result to take back to Belgium. They will rely on the wing-backs and Vertessen and Boniface in attack to try to give them a cutting edge. El Azzouzi will likely play and protect the defence. They have averaged 52 per cent possession in Belgium, so they are middle of the road for keeping the ball.

Union Berlin have only had 44 per cent possession on average in the Bundesliga this season. They are a fast, direct team who like to break on transitions with pace through the power of Juranovic and Trimmel at wing-back and the speed and trickery of Becker up front. Behrens is also a threat. Therefore, this might be a game where neither team monopolises possession. Union SG might have a bit more of it, which might be the game’s flow. However, this is what Union Berlin want – they like it when a team comes on to them so they can quickly pounce with their pressing and break with speed.

Therefore, this game might be a narrow win for the German side. If Union Berlin play well, they could win by two or three as they can be relentless on their day. However, with both teams struggling for form and having priorities at home in their domestic leagues, Berlin could win by one in a close game and travel to Belgium with a lead to protect.

Union Berlin 2-1 Union SG

Union Berlin vs Union SG Betting Tip – Union Berlin Odds: