Union Berlin vs. Hoffenheim preview: TSG go for four in a row
Union Berlin cap off a busy week back at home against Hoffenheim, who have started surprisingly strong winning three of their first four league contests.
Union Berlin
Union have dropped their last three competitive matches and return home to the Stadion An der Alten Försterei on Matchday 5 in need of a win. They performed admirably away to Real Madrid midweek and face quite a busy schedule ahead.
Leonardo Bonucci was substituted in Madrid, but he's still expected to play, while Kevin Behrens should lead the line up front looking to refind his form in front of goal. Union have lost just three of their last 52 Bundesliga games at home.
When asked about their recent results, Urs Fischer shared, "I don't feel any pressure. Our season goal is 40 points and I think we are currently still well in the race. If you have identified a crisis somewhere, then you have to answer the question yourself."
Team News
Kevin Volland is suspended, while Andras Schäfer, Rani Khedira, Robin Knoche, and Laurenz Dehl are all likely unavailable.
Hoffenheim
Hoffenheim have won three of their first four games to kick things off, sitting impressively at 5th in the table. They have a plethora of options up front, including youngster Maximilian Beier who continues to put his name on the scoresheet every matchday.
Robert Skov and Pavel Kaderabek should start on the wings on Saturday with Beier and Wout Weghorst leading what's likely to be a 3-5-2. It's of note that Hoffenheim haven’t defeated the capital club in their last three meetings.
This week, Pellegrino Matarazzo stated, "In the last few weeks, I have noticed a strong bond and mentality amongst the lads. As the trainer, I am never 100% satisfied but the character of the team is very positive at the moment."
Team News
Dennis Geiger, Marco John, Bambase Conte, and Stanley Nsoki are out.