Union Berlin vs. Werder Bremen preview: Both teams in need of a win
Union Berlin and Werder Bremen will both be hoping to end their three-game winless runs when they go head-to-head at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei on Saturday.
Union Berlin
Union have taken just one point from three matches since beating Hoffenheim on February 17. Die Eisernen were held to a 2-2 draw by Heidenheim, before they went on to lose 2-0 to both Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart. Having mustered 25 points from as many matches, Union are currently languishing in 14th position in the Bundesliga table.
However, they still have a sizeable buffer to the bottom three, with seven points separating them from Köln in the relegation playoff spot. Nevertheless, Nenad Bjelica will still be keen to extend that gap in Saturday’s home clash, and they may fancy their chances of claiming all three points after winning their last two home games against Bremen.
The first goal could be crucial to Union’s hopes of picking up a victory, having won seven of the eight league matches where they have scored the opener this season (D1). In contrast, they have collected just two points from the 16 Bundesliga games where they have let in the first goal.
Team News
Midfielder Janik Haberer will miss out through injury, while András Schäfer will serve a two-match suspension after being sent off against Stuttgart.
Werder Bremen
Like their hosts, Bremen have only collected one point from their last three outings. They followed a draw against Darmstadt with consecutive 2-1 defeats to Hoffenheim and Borussia Dortmund. Ole Werner’s side experienced a disappointing first half against Dortmund, conceding twice to leave them with an uphill task for the second period. Although Justin Njinmah pulled a goal back in the 70th minute, Bremen were unable to find the elusive equaliser.
With 10 points now separating them from sixth spot, Bremen will be hoping Bayer Leverkusen can win the DFB-Pokal and open up seventh spot as a European qualification place. However, their current priority will be on Saturday’s away clash, where they will attempt to record their fourth victory in five away matches.
They also have the chance to complete a league double over Bremen after recording a 2-0 victory in October’s reverse fixture thanks to a Robin Knoche own goal and a Marvin Ducksch effort.
Team News
Niklas Stark, Marco Friedl and Amos Pieper are all ruled out with ankle injuries. Meanwhile, Romano Schmid is set to serve a one-match suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards.