Union Berlin vs. Bochum preview: Two relegation-threatened sides face off

Union Berlin

Union have struggled to find a cutting edge in recent times, scoring just one goal in a five-game winless run. As a result, it is unsurprising to see that Union are the second lowest scorers in the Bundesliga with 26 goals from 31 matches.

They did at least avoid a fourth consecutive defeat by playing out a 0-0 draw in last Sunday’s home game against Borussia Mönchengladbach. However, as a result of the goalless affair, Union have gone four away games without scoring since finding the net in a 1-0 win over Hoffenheim in February.

With that in mind, Union may be grateful to have a home advantage for Sunday’s crucial fixture. The hosts are sitting in 14th place with 30 points to their name, with two points separating them from the relegation playoff spot. Union will fancy their chances of taking something from Sunday’s fixture, having avoided defeat in each of their previous seven home meetings with Bochum (W6, D1).

Team News

Union are still unable to call upon Jakob Busk, but they will be able to welcome back Jérôme Roussillon following a four-game injury absence.

Bochum

Bochum will have a renewed sense of belief after they beat Hoffenheim 3-2 to end an eight-game winless run. A Kevin Stöger brace and a Felix Passlack effort proved enough to claim their first win since beating Bayern by the same scoreline in February.

With three games left to play, die Unabsteigbaren are sitting just behind Union on goal difference. Bochum’s poor away form is one of the main factors behind their lowly position in the Bundesliga. In fact, they currently have the worst away record in the top flight, having mustered seven points from 15 away games. 

That record will be a cause for concern with two of their final three matches taking place away from home. Those two away fixtures against Union and Werder Bremen will be crucial to Bochum’s survival hopes, especially as their only remaining home game is against champions Bayer Leverkusen.

If they are to claim three points on Sunday, the visitors will have to beat Union at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei for the first time since July 2013.

Team News

The visitors are expected to be without Antony Losilla, Takuma Asano, Michael Esser, Moritz-Broni Kwarten, Mohammed Tolba and Niclas Thiede.