Bundesliga: Union Berlin Must Win at Home to Preserve Top Berth

Union Berlin vs Borussia Monchengladbach

Union Berlin’s top spot in the Bundesliga is in peril as several rivals are hot on their heels. They’re coming off a shocking defeat in the last time out, so they must regain their bearings fast when Die Fohlen visit town on Sunday.

Die Eisernen are clinging on to their one-point lead over Die Bayern, who have an important date with Mainz this weekend.

So this Sunday clash is a must-win for the hosts since the pre-match SBOTOP betting odds are backing the defending champions to win their own game despite the fact that the 05ers have proven to be competitive against them in recent encounters.

Gladbach are out for valuable points too since they have plans on making it back to Europe next season, and beating the pacesetters is a step in the right direction.

Talking Points

Union Berlin duo must rediscover shooting touch

Die Eisernen have been the surprise package in the German top-flight this season, thanks to Urs Fischer’s tactical nous. They boast the best defence in the league with only eight goals conceded – which is currently tied with the reigning champions Bayern Munich.

But two of those came against VfL Bochum during their 2-1 loss on Sunday. It should’ve been a 2-0 clean sheet for the relegation-threatened Der Blau if it weren’t for Milos Pantovic’s added-time consolation goal.

Union Berlin, though, got back on the winning track by beating Braga yesterday thanks to Robin Knoche’s penalty at the 68^th minute to put them second in Group D of the Europa League behind leaders Union Saint-Gilloise – who they’ll take on next in the penultimate matchday.

It’s not going to get easier for Union Berlin in these next few weeks, which is why it’s important that they’re sharp in the final third.

Sheraldo Becker and Theoson Siebatcheu haven’t scored since last month, which is a concern for Urs Fischer. The two of them have combined for 10 goals and six assists so far this term, and those totals would have to go up if they’ll be able to achieve their objectives this season.

Marcus Thuram can’t do it all for Gladbach

Marcus Thuram is playing his best ball under Daniel Farke, but he is going to need more from his other teammates. The Frenchman currently tops their scoring charts with eight goals and two assists, and the one behind him is wantaway full-back Ramy Bensebaini with four goals.

It doesn’t help that Gladbach have a growing injury list, which includes Yann Sommer, Jonas Hofmann, Torben Musel, Ko Itakura, Stefan Lainer, and Florian Neuhaus. On the other hand, Kouadio Kone is suspended for this upcoming matchup.

Alassane Plea has recorded an assist in each of the last three games, but he hasn’t found the back of the net since August against Hertha Berlin. Lars Stindl, an experienced all-rounder for the Foals meanwhile, has yet to find his rhythm this term.

Gladbach are currently ninth in the standings with 16 points, but a victory here could push them up to as high as fifth place.

History

Union Berlin hold the slim advantage in their head-to-heads against Gladbach. In the eight games prior to Sunday, Die Eisernen have won in three, while Die Fohlen won twice along with three draws.

November 2019 was the last time that there was a clean sheet in this fixture, with Union Berlin beating Gladbach 2-0 at home in their first season back in the German top-flight. Since then, Union Berlin and Gladbach had multiple games where both of them scored at least once.

Their last meeting took place in January as Max Kruse bailed out Union Berlin with his brace – including his late goal when it looked like it was going to be another draw following Kouadio Kone’s equaliser around the 40-minute mark.

Betting Tip

Because they’re on top of the Bundesliga, Union Berlin are favoured by the Bundesliga 2022 odds to win this weekend. Die Eisernen are installed at 2.06, while Gladbach are pegged at 3.40 and a draw is at 3.45 in the 1X2 market.

We expect a cagey affair at Alte Forsterei and football fans can expect some Bundesliga 2022 highlights from these two sides. We’re inclined to think that Union Berlin will edge Gladbach on this one with a Correct Score of 2-1 at 7.40 – which is a great payout if you’re swinging for the fences. The safer bet, though, is Total Goal 2-3 @ 1.91 especially if you’re taking into account a possible win or draw for the visitors.

 

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