Union Berlin will be eager to break free from their 10-game winless streak in the league when they host Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday. Meanwhile, the visitors are coming off a win against Hoffenheim, showing signs of improvement.
Match Preview:
After starting the season strong with convincing victories over Mainz 05 and SV Darmstadt 98, Union Berlin’s performance has taken a drastic downturn in the past few months.
A series of 12 consecutive defeats across all competitions led to the dismissal of their legendary manager, Urs Fischer.
Nenad Bjelica, former Dinamo Zagreb boss, has been appointed as his replacement.
In his debut match, Union Berlin secured a 1-1 draw against Braga in the Champions League. However, their European hopes rely on defeating Real Madrid in their next match.
Nevertheless, Union Berlin’s immediate focus lies in moving away from the bottom of the table.
Bjelica was fortunate to have his first league match postponed due to adverse weather conditions, giving him additional time to work with his new squad.
Their upcoming match against Gladbach presents an opportunity to climb out of the relegation zone.
Considering Union Berlin’s winless streak of 16 matches in all competitions, securing a victory against Gladbach won’t be an easy task.
However, their recent run of three draws in the last four games indicates a halt to their decline. With Bjelica’s fresh approach, Union Berlin hopes to boost the confidence of a squad in dire need of a turnaround.
On the other hand, Gladbach, under the guidance of Gerardo Seoane, seems to have found their form.
After a disappointing defeat against FC Koln, they have won five of their last seven matches across all competitions, elevating themselves to 10th in the table.
Despite facing tough opposition like Hoffenheim, Gladbach emerged victorious with Alassane Plea’s penalty and Nathan Ngoumou’s late winner. Wout Weghorst equalized for Hoffenheim in the match.
Gladbach’s recent success includes a victory over Wolfsburg, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the DFB-Pokal.
Seoane, eyeing a major trophy, aims to guide his new club to silverware next summer, having not won a significant title since 1995.
Before the winter break, Gladbach strives to climb further up the table. With only one point separating them from ninth-placed Augsburg, a win against Union Berlin will propel them closer to their goal.
Union Berlin Bundesliga form: L L L L L D
Union Berlin form (all competitions): L L D L D D
Borussia Monchengladbach Bundesliga form: L W D W L W
Borussia Monchengladbach form (all competitions): W D W L W W
Team News:
Union Berlin has benefited from an unexpected break, allowing some players to recover from injuries.
Danilho Doekhi is the only confirmed absentee due to a foot injury, while Sheraldo Becker is doubtful with a muscle issue.
Bjelica is likely to stick with a back four formation, with Robin Gosens operating in a more offensive role on the left wing.
Kevin Behrens and Kevin Volland are expected to support the attack alongside Germany international Gosens.
Gladbach, however, continues to struggle with various injury concerns. Ko Itakura, Stefan Lainer, Jonas Omlin, Hannes Wolf, Tony Jantschke, Lukas Ullrich, and Mamadou Doucoure are all expected to remain sidelined.
Furthermore, Jordan Siebatcheu will miss the chance to face his former club due to a thigh injury.
Despite these setbacks, Tomas Cvancara is likely to start after recovering from a knock. Seoane may retain most of the starting XI that defeated Wolfsburg, with Marvin Friedrich returning to the visitors’ back three.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Union Berlin: (4-3-3)
Ronnow;
Juranovic, Knoche, Leite, Roussillon;
Laidouni, Khedira, Tousart;
Volland, Behrens, Gosens
Borussia Monchengladbach: (3-5-2)
Nicolas;
Scally, Friedrich, Elvedi;
Honorat, Reitz, Weigl, Kone, Netz;
Cvancara, Plea
Prediction: Union Berlin 1-1 Borussia Monchengladbach
Although Gladbach has shown improvements lately, their away form in the Bundesliga has been inconsistent. Union Berlin, without a win since August, aims to revitalize under their new manager.
A draw seems plausible, marking a step forward for the hosts despite lingering at the bottom of the table.