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Union Berlin will begin their eighth successive Bundesliga campaign on Saturday when they welcome Eintracht Frankfurt to the German capital, with both clubs hoping a summer of change can lay the foundations for a more successful season.
The hosts and visitors have each appointed new managers, while a number of fresh faces have also arrived through the transfer market.
Both sides have already enjoyed convincing starts in the DFB-Pokal, setting up an intriguing opening-day contest between two teams still finding their feet under new leadership.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Union Berlin vs. Eintracht Frankfurt key stats
- Three of the last five meetings ended in draws.
- Union Berlin are unbeaten against Eintracht in five meetings.
- Union are also unbeaten in their last five Bundesliga opening-day matches
Union Berlin vs. Eintracht Frankfurt preview: Huge Bundesliga opener on the cards
Union Berlin vs Eintracht Frankfurt — Tale of the Tape
| Union Berlin | vs | Eintracht Frankfurt |
|---|---|---|
| 11th | Position (Bundesliga 25/26) | 8th |
| 39 | Points | 44 |
| 44 | Goals For | 61 |
| 58 | Goals Against | 65 |
| 7 | Clean Sheets | 8 |
| 12th/11th | Home / Away Rank | 9th/8th |
Union's first competitive outing under Mauro Lustrinelli ended in a 4-2 victory over Eintracht Braunschweig last weekend in the DFB-Pokal, although they had to come from behind twice before eventually putting their opponents to the sword.
The Swiss coach takes charge in Berlin after an extraordinary spell at FC Thun, where he secured promotion to the Swiss Super League before going one step further and delivering the club's first title.
Union finished 11th last term and will be hoping Lustrinelli can move them closer to the European places, with around £5m spent on Michel Aebischer, Felix Uduokhai and Stanley Nsoki as part of an effort to strengthen his squad.
Union Berlin managed just five league victories in Berlin last season, equalling their worst German Bundesliga total.
The hosts have also added former Middlesbrough forward Emmanuel Latte Lath on loan from Atlanta United, although their options will be reduced by a number of injuries, with Oliver Burke sidelined by an Achilles problem and Andrik Markgraf and Robert Skov also unavailable.
Frederik Ronnow could return from injury, but Matheo Raab is expected to start between the posts.
Frankfurt, meanwhile, are hoping the return of Adi Hutter can bring an end to the instability that overshadowed their previous campaign, when three different managers were required before they eventually settled for an eighth-place finish.
Albert Riera was the man entrusted with seeing out the season, but a difficult period involving unrest within the squad and several controversies ultimately resulted in his departure and paved the way for Hutter's return to the Deutsche Bank Park.
The Austrian previously guided Frankfurt to the semi-finals of both the DFB-Pokal and Europa League, but he inherits a significantly reshaped squad after Nathaniel Brown and Aurele Amenda departed for substantial fees.
Eintracht Frankfurt conceded the third-most goals in the Bundesliga last season, shipping 65 efforts.
Frankfurt have used some of that income to recruit Noel Aseko, Raphael Onyedika, Otavio, Malik Pimpong and Noel Futkeu, with several of their new arrivals featuring in last weekend's remarkable 11-0 demolition of fifth-tier opposition in the DFB-Pokal.
Hutter will nevertheless have to contend with some early selection problems, as Nnamdi Collins is struggling with a back injury, Ansgar Knauff has a thigh problem and Jessic Ngankam remains sidelined with a muscle issue, while Jonathan Burkardt is expected to lead the attack despite recently battling illness.
Union Berlin vs. Eintracht Frankfurt form guide & betting tips
| Union Berlin | vs | Eintracht Frankfurt |
|---|---|---|
W |
Form | W |
| 4 | Goals For | 11 |
| 2 | Goals Against | 0 |
W |
Form (All Comps) | W |
Whispers predicts: Union Berlin 2-2 Eintracht Frankfurt
Given the huge number of changes at both clubs over the summer, it is hard to know what to expect.
However, one thing we do know is that Union Berlin have a good record against Eintracht Frankfurt, going five games unbeaten.
Three of those ended in draws, and backing that same outcome is priced at 11/4 with most bookmakers.
Both teams to score is another solid market at 13/25, considering Eintracht have seen it land across their last eight competitive matches.
For serious value, the correct score market deserves consideration, with a 2-2 draw currently available at 11/1.
> Match result – draw at 11/4 | Likelihood: Probable
> Both teams to score at 13/25 | Likelihood: Probable
> Correct score 2-2 at 11/1 | Likelihood: Outsider