Union Berlin vs 1. FC Köln: Hosts looking for immediate revenge after midweek thrashing

Union Berlin

Union Berlin currently sit 16th in the table and also failed to win last weekend against Augsburg away from home getting a 1-1 draw. 

However, die Eisernen (the Iron ones) will most likely have been happy to grab a point against a side who started this season well in the Bundesliga following a strong end to last campaign.

This meant that Union were unbeaten in three games in a row before being thrashed by Köln on Tuesday.

In spite of this, one thing that does not bode well for the capital city side is their form in front of goal. 

Union have the joint-second least amount of goals in the league this season only having scored more than Schalke.

Despite this, Union Berlin have a formidable record against Köln in matchups since their promotion to the Bundesliga having only lost once in the Bundesliga against Köln in 2024.

Ahead of the Sunday clash, Union Berlin coach Mauro Lustrinelli said: “We're determined to produce a different performance against Köln than in the cup and we've spoken about this with the players.”

Team news

Union Berlin are without Robert Skov, Andrej Ilić, Stanley Nsoki, Andrik Markgraf and lastly Felix Udokhai who picked up a red card against Augsburg last weekend.

1. FC Köln

Köln are looking to pick up their first three points away from home in over a year on the road in the Bundesliga in a season where their home and away form has been completely opposite.

Alongside RB Leipzig, Köln are the only side yet to pick up even a point away from home this Bundesliga season with losses against Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Hamburg.

In midweek, youngster Said El Mala had his best game for Köln ever with two goals and an assist picking up man of the match in the cup.

Köln have three strikers likely to be out for this weekend's tie again with Imad Rondić and Thijs Dallinga guranteed to be missing the game with Ragnar Ache probably only being fit enough to make the bench if at all.

However, what the Billy Goats have lacked in attacking power in the league with back to back games without a goal they have made up for in improved defensive stability conceding two goals in their last four outings in all competitions.

Helping out defensively has been the breakthrough of Borna Sosa at left back who has started every game since the 2-1 derby win at home.

Before the weekend game against Union Berlin, head coach Rene Wagner said: “It's a different game from Tuesday. Union will be fired up and looking to show some sort of reaction. They have been playing well at home. ”

Team news

Köln are without Imad Rondić, Thijs Dallinga, Ellyes Skhiri, Timo Hübers and Rav Van den Berg. 

Ragnar Ache remains a doubt for Sunday.