On Sunday, Union Berlin will host SV Darmstadt 98 with the aim of distancing themselves from the relegation zone.
SV Darmstadt 98 is currently at the bottom of the table but has a chance to equalize points with Union Berlin if they secure a victory in the capital.
Match preview
In 2023, Union Berlin had a turbulent season, finishing fourth and qualifying for the Champions League but also spending time in the relegation zone during the winter months.
Before the winter break, Union Berlin managed to avoid the bottom three positions by defeating FC Koln 2-0. They started the new year with a goalless draw against Freiburg.
However, they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich on Wednesday, with Raphael Guerreiro’s goal being the difference.
Despite the loss, head coach Nenad Bjelica can take confidence from the narrow margin against the reigning champions.
A victory against Darmstadt on Sunday is crucial for Union Berlin. Darmstadt, who were promoted last season, has been winless in their last 11 league games. Union Berlin is heavily favored to secure all three points at Stadion An der Alten Forsterei.
Darmstadt, however, has shown resilience by coming back from a two-goal deficit to secure a draw against Eintracht Frankfurt. Their ability to fight back was also evident in a 3-3 draw against Hoffenheim.
Although Darmstadt has the worst defensive record in the league, they have shown firepower in their attacking play.
Darmstadt’s draw against Frankfurt did not lift them off the bottom of the table, but a victory against Union Berlin will certainly improve their position before facing league leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
Union Berlin Bundesliga form: D W LW D L
Union Berlin form (all competitions): W L L W D L
SV Darmstadt 98 Bundesliga form: L L L D L D
Team News
Union Berlin will be without full-back Josip Juranovic due to a muscle injury. Kevin Volland and Rani Khedira are major doubts due to concussion and calf issues, respectively. If Volland is unavailable, Kevin Behrens is likely to replace him in attack.
With a short turnaround between fixtures, coach Bjelica may opt to make further changes to the starting lineup, potentially including Andras Schafer, Jerome Roussillon, and Brenden Aaronson.
Darmstadt will be missing Aaron Seydel, Fraser Hornby, Braydon Manu, and Marvin Mehlem due to injury. Matej Maglica and Mathias Honsak are also doubtful due to a groin issue and illness, respectively.
Christoph Zimmermann may replace Maglica if he fails to recover in time, but other changes to the lineup are unlikely after their decent result against Frankfurt.
Possible starting lineups
Union Berlin: (3-5-2)
Ronnow;
Knoche, Vogt, Leite;
Trimmel, Haberer, Kral, Aaronson, Gosens;
Behrens, Bedia
SV Darmstadt 98: (3-4-2-1)
Schuhen;
Riedel, Zimmermann, Klarer;
Bader, Franjic, Holland, Nurnberger;
Justvan, Skarke;
Pfeiffer
Prediction: Union Berlin 2-1 SV Darmstadt 98
Union Berlin has made some new signings in the January transfer window to improve their form. However, it may take time for these players to settle in, although they should have enough quality to avoid relegation.
Darmstadt is a challenging team to predict, but their struggles to keep clean sheets have been a major obstacle for them. We expect them to put up a fight on Sunday but ultimately suffer a damaging defeat.