Union Berlin, a consistently progressing team, is set to host Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga fixture scheduled for Saturday afternoon in the German capital.
This upcoming encounter features a noteworthy confrontation between two Croatian managers, Nenad Bjelica and Edin Terzic, marking their inaugural meeting. Notably, these two sides represent some of the most formidable teams in Germany as of the commencement of the year 2024.
Match preview
Union Berlin’s impressive performance in the current calendar year persists, despite their recent draw with Heidenheim. Under Bjelica’s leadership, Union Berlin has adopted a pragmatic approach, which culminated in a thrilling 2-2 draw against a formidable Heidenheim side in their latest match.
Since Bjelica assumed control late last year, Union Berlin has amassed 18 points in 11 games, a stark contrast to the single point earned in the preceding 10 matches. Consequently, they maintain an eight-point lead over the relegation zone, with Koln also securing only a draw in their last fixture, alleviating relegation concerns.
Historically, Union Berlin has welcomed Dortmund’s visits to Der Alten Forsterei, triumphing in three out of four encounters at this venue since their promotion to the Bundesliga. Matches between these two teams have been goal-laden affairs, with a total of 34 goals scored in their nine Bundesliga clashes. In the reverse fixture, Dortmund emerged victorious with a 4-2 win at Signal Iduna Park, inflicting Union Berlin’s fifth consecutive defeat earlier in the season.
However, Dortmund’s recent form has been inconsistent, highlighted by a 3-2 home defeat to Hoffenheim. With only two wins in their last six home matches against Hoffenheim, conceding 14 goals in the process, Dortmund’s defensive vulnerabilities are evident.
Despite Bayern Munich’s recent victory over RB Leipzig, Dortmund finds themselves under pressure to secure a top-four finish. With Stuttgart holding a six-point lead in third place and Eintracht Frankfurt faltering in sixth, the race for the final Champions League spot appears to be narrowing.
Dortmund’s current run of form, comprising just one win in five matches, is a cause for concern. Their tally of 11 wins from 23 league games this season is the lowest in the post-Jurgen Klopp era, jeopardizing their aspirations for a top-four finish. Consequently, Dortmund must swiftly rectify their performance to salvage their Champions League ambitions for the season.
Team news
Union Berlin is poised to regain the services of both Kevin Volland and Diogo Leite, who were suspended and consequently absent during their recent match against Heidenheim, which ended in a draw.
While Bjelica, the manager, will have one defender returning from suspension, another will be unavailable due to Robin Gosens’s booking in the previous match, rendering him ineligible for the upcoming game. It is anticipated that Jerome Roussillon will step in as a replacement.
In addition to the suspension of the left wing-back, Bjelica has assured that he has a full squad at his disposal for the impending fixture, with no fresh injury concerns to contend with.
However, the situation is less favorable for Dortmund, as goalkeeper Gregor Kobel will be sidelined due to an adductor injury. Nevertheless, there is optimism for his return in the subsequent match against Werder Bremen.
Felix Nmecha will continue to be absent for Dortmund due to his ongoing efforts to regain match fitness following a period of absence.
Furthermore, Dortmund will be without the services of Donyell Malen, a key player, who is serving a suspension subsequent to a booking received in the previous week. Manager Terzic has identified Karim Adeyemi, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, and Julien Duranville as potential replacements.
Terzic will, however, have the benefit of welcoming back Mats Hummels and Niklas Sule this weekend, both of whom have recovered from injury and illness respectively, and are expected to feature prominently in the upcoming match.
Union Berlin possible starting lineup:
Ronnow; Doekhi, Vogt, Diogo Leite; Trimmel, Khedira, Tousart, Schafer, Roussillon; Volland, Hollerbach
Borussia Dortmund possible starting lineup:
Meyer; Sule, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen; Sabitzer, Can; Sancho, Reus, Brandt; Fullkrug