Wolfsburg heads to Der Alten Forsterei on the sting of Berlin to play Union Berlin within the Bundesliga this Saturday.
Union’s coach, Nenad Bjelica, is again after a three-game suspension, together with his crew simply above the relegation zone.
Match Preview
Union had a robust finish to 2023 beneath Bjelica however has been up and down since Bundesliga restarted.
Their efficiency improved beneath Bjelica, shifting them out of final place after a sequence of losses.
But, they’ve solely managed to get 5 factors from their first 5 video games in 2024, with their single win in opposition to Darmstadt at residence.
They scored one other aim throughout a 1-1 draw with Mainz in a sport that was delayed and performed lately.
This was their second postponed match this yr, after their sport in opposition to Bayern Munich was additionally delayed. This implies they’ve performed most of their latest video games away from residence.
Taking part in at residence has been essential for Union, the place they’ve gained thrice in a row and solely let in a single aim. They hope to make use of this residence benefit in opposition to Wolfsburg.
Union has struggled away from residence, incomes solely 5 factors out of a potential 33, which is why they’re nonetheless near the relegation zone.
Wolfsburg hasn’t gained at Union Berlin since Union was promoted in 2019.
In 5 visits, Wolfsburg has at all times conceded two objectives, drawing two and dropping three. One other loss or draw would lengthen their winless streak to 6 video games, each at this venue and within the Bundesliga.
Wolfsburg is in an odd scenario, having drawn all their 4 video games in 2024.
They drew three video games 1-1 in opposition to Mainz, Heidenheim, and Koln, adopted by a 2-2 draw in opposition to Hoffenheim, the place they needed to come again twice.
Given this way, Wolfsburg sits in mid-table, equally distant from European locations and the relegation zone.
Union Berlin Bundesliga Type: W D L W L D
Wolfsburg Bundesliga Type: W L D D D D
Group Information
Union’s midfield is stronger with Aissa Laidouni and Alex Kral again, and Yorbe Vertessen becoming a member of from PSV Eindhoven.
Laidouni began his first sport after getting back from the Africa Cup of Nations, whereas Kral, Fredrik Ronnow, and Diogo Leite have recovered from sickness.
Jerome Roussillon is again, and Josip Juranovic may return quickly.
Christopher Trimmel is suspended, as are Kevin Vogt and Janik Haberer after getting booked in opposition to Mainz.
Kevin Behrens may lead Wolfsburg’s assault in opposition to his former crew, after helping on his debut.
Lovro Majer, who scored twice final sport, may begin, particularly since Aster Vranckx is injured. Patrick Wimmer and Lukas Nmecha are coaching once more however aren’t able to play.
Maxence Lacroix and Sebastiaan Bornauw may play in the event that they move health assessments, boosting Wolfsburg’s protection.
Koen Casteels is out with a bruised again, so 36-year-old Pavao Pervan will possible be the goalkeeper.
Potential Beginning Lineups
Union Berlin:
Ronnow;
Knoche, Doekhi, Diogo Leite;
Schafer, Kral, Laidouni, Vertessen, Gosens;
Bedia, Hollerbach
Wolfsburg:
Pervan;
Maehle, Bornauw, Lacroix, Rogerio;
Cerny, Gerhardt, Arnold, Majer;
Wind, Behrens
Our Prediction: Union Berlin 2-1 Wolfsburg
Union depends closely on their residence efficiency and enters this sport barely favored to win their fourth residence sport in a row.
It ought to be a decent match, however Wolfsburg drawing 5 occasions in a row could be stunning. Given their poor report at this stadium, Union may edge out a win.