Union Berlin – VfL Wolfsburg
Union Berlin has just managed to get itself back on its feet in the relegation battle, while Wolfsburg is stuck in the middle of the pack – and it is precisely this constellation that makes the clash at the Alte Försterei so particularly exciting. On matchday 28, two teams will face each other that could hardly be more different: While Union, under coach Steffen Baumgart, took five important points from their last three games and thus climbed to 13th place in the table, Wolfsburg fell back after a 1-0 home defeat to Heidenheim. Although the Lower Saxony team have 38 points, they have almost given up on international competition.
Wolfsburg narrowly beat Union 1-0 in the most recent meeting in November 2024. However, Union will go into this game full of confidence after their recent success, especially since the last few duels between the two teams have always been characterized by tactics and fighting spirit. Former player of both clubs, Max Kruse, recently warned against exaggerated expectations – after all, there have rarely been many goals in the direct encounters.
Union Berlin – Wolfsburg Infos
- Venue: Stadion An der Alten Försterei, Berlin
- Date and time: 06.04.2025, 17:30
- Competition: Bundesliga
Union Berlin Form & balance check
The Köpenicker’s form is clearly on an upward trend – especially if you consider the 6-0 defeat against Borussia Dortmund about six weeks ago to be the low point. Since then, Union have remained unbeaten in three Bundesliga games, underpinning this upturn with a 2-1 away win in Freiburg. Once again, the fighting spirit was evident, as shown by five yellow cards and the goals from Khedira and Ilić.
Despite this positive streak, the defense remains vulnerable, as Union has conceded at least one goal in each of the last five games, and in 80% of cases in the first half. This could be a problem against a potentially dangerous opponent like Wolfsburg. Nevertheless, coach Baumgart seems to have found the right mix to keep the Irons at a safe distance from the relegation places for the time being.
Baumgart is likely to stick with Union’s usual 3-4-3 system. Rønnow is expected in goal, with Doekhi, Querfeld and Leite likely to form the back three. Due to the injuries to Skov and Jeong, Khedira and Haberer appear to be back in the central midfield, while Trimmel and Juranović are on the wings.
In Hollerbach, Ilić and Volland, there is a proven trio in attack that has recently been convincing. However, Ljubičić or Schäfer are ready to step in should there be any reason for a change. Because Union has had a small winning streak, Baumgart will probably stick with the team that has been in great form lately.
Wolfsburg Form & Record Check
VfL Wolfsburg are currently in the doldrums. The 0-1 home defeat to promoted Heidenheim was already their fourth game without a win in their last five league games. Marvin Pieringer’s penalty goal in the 16th minute was enough to take all the points out of the Volkswagen Arena. The lack of ideas in offense is particularly noticeable, which hardly produced any goals in the first half last.
Added to this are personnel setbacks: Koulierakis had to be substituted injured in the defeat against Heidenheim, and the team generally appeared unsettled. Despite being in ninth place with 38 points, it can be observed that Ralph Hasenhüttl’s team is caught out too often defensively and lacks penetration in front.
Coach Hasenhüttl is also likely to stick with his preferred 4-3-3 formation against VfL Wolfsburg. Grabara will presumably keep goal, while Fischer, Bornauw, Koulierakis and Mæhle will form the back four. Dárdai, Arnold and Gerhardt are the most likely candidates in midfield, while Skov Olsen, Nmecha and Tomás are expected to start up front.
Hasenhüttl will have to do without Lovro Majer (torn muscle) and Mattias Svanberg (knee problems). After the 2-1 defeat to Heidenheim, however, there could be tactical adjustments, with Wind or Amoura as possible substitutes for more offensive power.
Union Berlin – Wolfsburg head-to-head comparison & statistics
The balance of the last five direct duels is overall balanced: both teams have won twice, once there was a draw. However, the games were often low-scoring and characterized by tactical discipline. It is rare for more than two or three goals to be scored.
The second half is particularly striking, with fewer risks usually taken. Nevertheless, both sides scored at least once in four of these encounters, which indicates a certain attacking intent. Given the current situation, another exciting, rather close encounter can be expected.
