Record against Union: Little to choose between the two in the Bundesliga
Overall: 14 games. 5 wins, 6 draws, 3 defeats. 20:16 goal difference.
In the Bundesliga: 9 games. 3 wins, 3 draw, 3 defeats. 13:12 goal difference.
Looking back: VfB unbeaten against Union under Hoeneß
VfB have won the last four meetings between the teams: three at home (3-2 and 2-0 in the Bundesliga, 1-0 in the DFB Cup) and one away (3-0). That 3-2 home victory came in the sides’ earlier encounter this season.
Recent form: Union unbeaten in five
Union Berlin are on a run of five matches without defeat in the Bundesliga, with three wins and two draws.
VfB, on the other hand, have only managed one win and two draws in their previous eight league games.
VfB head coach Sebastian Hoeneß: “They’ve really settled into a rhythm, they bring high running and intensity to the pitch and are tough to break down. Add to that the fact we’re playing at the Alten Försterei stadium and that means that they’ll be a tough nut to crack.”
Union head coach Steffen Baumgart: “Of course, it's a special occasion – we're really looking forward to it. Nevertheless, we're sticking to our approach of taking each game as it comes. We are aware of Stuttgart's qualities, they are a strong team, even if their results so far have not always reflected that. It will be even more important to go into the challenges with a lot of aggression – in the hope that we can celebrate a successful anniversary at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei together with our fans.”
Team news, injuries and suspensions
While it was already known that Luca Raimund and El Bilal (reaction to his foot issue) would be unavailable, it has been revealed that Jamie Leweling will also miss the trip to the capital due to muscle problems. On the positive side, Jeff Chabot is back in full training and will be involved against Union. Nikolas Nartey has also started working with the squad again but still needs a little more time, while Dan-Axel Zagadou is not yet training fully. Anrie Chase, Justin Diehl and Josha Vagnoman are also at various stages of the comeback trail.
With Nick Woltemade banned after being sent off in the previous match, Hoeneß already has a solution lined up: “Deniz Undav has trained well and will start. All of us want to put in a good performance as a team.”
Union will be without Aljoscha Kemlein, Woo-yeong Jeong, Robert Skov and Jérôme Roussillon.
Attendance: Stadion An der Alten Försterei is sold out