Union Berlin vs. Schalke preview: Die Eisernen can move into 1st with a win
Schalke travel to the Stadion An der Alten Försterei on Sunday afternoon, as they hope to once again steal a point and give their fans a trace of hope.
Union Berlin
The best club in the capital city are wrapping up a busy week against the worst team in the Bundesliga. They return home after an admirable draw away to Ajax midweek and with a win this Sunday, Union can take complete control of the league table. Wow.
Union are trying to win their 6th straight Bundesliga game to start 2023 and continue inching their way towards securing a return to European football. But, Urs Fischer must be content with the fact that his team have now reached the 40-point mark.
For him, that’s what really matters. Union are safe for another Bundesliga season.
Fischer stated, "(Schalke) have played three goalless games recently…but in those last three games they had the most shots on goal of all Bundesliga teams and they have also stabilized defensively. They are physical and are generally uncomfortable to play against.”
Team News
Andras Schäfer is the only Unioner out for this weekend. Christopher Trimmel is expected to reclaim his starting spot after being rested against Ajax.
Schalke
Schalke have surprisingly strung together a couple results to earn some points in league play. The defense is looking far more dependable to start the new year and it’s fair to say the Royal Blues deserved a victory against Wolfsburg on Matchday 20.
Ralf Fährmann has played well ever since he took over between the sticks for Alexander Schwolow to provide more stability at the back. But, the Royal Blues desperately need goals if they want any chance of staying up.
The return of Rodrigo Zalazar is huge, but he needs some help if Schalke are to improve on their meager 14 goal tally through 20 games.
Thomas Reis shared, "Of course we want to get a result there, even if people doubt that we can, but we go there wanting to win. To go there and say we just want to defend and play for a point is not mine or the team's aim."
Team News
Moritz Jenz became a father this week, but he is expected to play. Danny Latza, Marcin Kaminski and Niklas Tauer are training again, but aren’t ready for game action. Sebastian Polter, Justin Heekeren and Sepp van den Berg are also unavailable, while Tim Skarke is a doubt against his former club.