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Union Berlin vs. TSG Hoffenheim
The Bundesliga was the only German professional league to start play already last weekend and it was very high-scoring, despite some ghost games. The games of the two opponents in this match on Saturday, Union and Hoffenheim, also had a lot to offer. The Berliners managed to take a point from Leverkusen and almost won in the end, but the post got in the way in the last minute.
Things went better for the TSG from Hoffenheim, who solved their compulsory task in their own stadium against Augsburg with aplomb. As a result, Hoffenheim have jumped to 3rd place and are in an excellent starting position. Now they play at the Alte Försterei and Berlin are one of the most unpleasant opponents in the Bundesliga. Find out who we think will come out on top in this tight affair on Saturday in our Union Berlin – Hoffenheim tip.
Union Berlin – Hoffenheim info:
– Date & Time: 15.01.2022, 15:30 Uhr
– Venue: In der Alten Försterei (Berlin)
– Competition: Bundesliga, 19th matchday
– TV broadcast: Live on Sky Sport
Union Berlin Form & Balance Check
Since promotion to the Bundesliga in 2019, things have actually been going uphill almost consistently. In the 1st season, the team quite easily kept the class, then in the past season even reached the European business. With a few exceptions, the key players were almost always kept and the squad was even strengthened with players like Kruse or Awoniyi. Now the head of defence of the last few years, Marvin Friedrich, has left the club for Gladbach and we are very curious to see whether the Eisern will find the right solution in this situation as well.
Union is now an established Bundesliga player
No one would have expected the Berliners to cope so well with Germany’s top division before their promotion. Actually from the very beginning they convinced with their great passion and fighting attitude. This led to an unbelievable home winning streak and they haven’t lost a home game in more than 20 matches this season. This year, they are again consistently performing and are stable in a respectable 7th place. Certainly nobody at Union would have anything against another season on the European stage.
Union Berlin Facts & Analysis
– Last match ended with 2:2 against Bayer Leverkusen.
– Top goal scorer is Awoniyi with 9 goals.
– In their own stadium, Union have scored five times out of 9 games
Hoffenheim form & balance check
After the departure of Julian Nagelsmann, TSG had some problems to consistently bring their own performances. Under Alfred Schreuder there were ups and downs every now and then and still during the season Marcel Rapp was installed and even reached the European competition. Sebastian Hoeneß’ debut season was also disappointing and the team finished the season in 11th place. But now the team finally seems to have internalised the coach’s playing philosophy and for some months Hoffenheim has been performing at a consistently high level. This is also reflected in the standings with 3rd place in the table.
Can Hoffenheim reach the Champions League?
Even though they are currently 3rd in the table, the lead is not really enormous. The Bundesliga is extremely competitive at the moment and there are only 6 points between 3rd and 9th place. Accordingly, it can happen quickly if you don’t win 2-3 games in a row. The last few weeks have been incredibly successful and with 7 games in a row without defeat, the situation looks very good for Hoffenheim. However, they have to keep at it to stay on top until the end.
Hoffenheim facts & analysis
– TSG have picked up 17 points from their last 7 games.
– They have scored 10 goals in their last 3 away games
– Hoffenheim has the fourth best offense in the league
Predicted line-up – last update on 13 January 2022
The most interesting question at Union will be who will replace Marvin Friedrich after his departure. With Dominique Heintz, an experienced player was signed who is a possible alternative and will probably start. Offensively, the team will have to do without Taiwo Awoniyi, who is currently at the Africa Cup. Sebastian Hoeneß also has one or two absentees and will have to rotate accordingly. Offensively, the quick Bebou and Rutter are expected to provide a good transitional game.
Union Berlin – Hoffenheim direct comparison & Statistics
In the 5 direct duels in the Bundesliga so far, Hoffenheim have had a very slight edge. Twice the TSG have been victorious, once the Eisernen. In the first leg there was a 2:2 draw.
– On average, just over 3 goals are scored in a direct encounter in the Bundesliga.
– In the last 3 duels, each team has scored at least once.
– Both have picked up 5 points each from the last 3 matches
