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With both hoping to avoid relegation from the Bundesliga, Union Berlin's home clash with Koln on Sunday at Stadion An der Alten Forsterei could be determinative by the end of the season.
The hosts are second last in 17th place with just six points after seven matchweeks, though they are by no means cut adrift given 12th-placed Koln only accumulated eight points in the same period.
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 Koln key stats
- Union Berlin have conceded one goal in their last three Bundesliga games.
- Koln have conceded first in all three of their away league matches this season.
- Union striker Tim Skarke averages the most shots on target per 90 in the Bundesliga of any player in the team (two).
Union Berlin vs Koln preview: A pivotal day in the relegation battle
Union Berlin vs Koln — Tale of the Tape
| Union Berlin | vs | Koln |
|---|---|---|
| 17th | Position | 12th |
| 6 | Points | 8 |
| 6 | Goals For | 8 |
| 18 | Goals Against | 11 |
| 2 | Clean Sheets | 1 |
| 13th | Home / Away Rank | 17th |
It is far too early to suggest that Union should panic, especially as three points separate them from ninth-placed Augsburg, though it will be important to take as many points as possible from potential relegation rivals, even at this stage of the campaign.
Supporters will believe that the team are on an upward trajectory considering they are unbeaten in their last three Bundesliga games, winning once, with their latest result a 1-1 draw with Augsburg on October 24.
However, boss Mauro Lustrinelli saw his side lose 5-0 against the visitors in the DFB-Pokal on Tuesday, though league football will have undoubtedly been the manager's priority.
On the injury front, Union striker Andrej Ilic is a slight doubt, and if he is not ready to start, then perhaps Tim Skarke will be trusted to lead the line.
Koln's victory in the DFB-Pokal was their second triumph in four meetings with their hosts, a period in which they lost just once.
The Billy Goats are themselves only three points from eighth-placed Mainz 05, though if they are to climb the table, they will need to improve their recent record, which has seen them take six points from the last 18 on offer in the Bundesliga.
Rene Wagner's side were held to a goalless stalemate by Schalke 04 on October 24, and the boss will be concerned that his team have failed to beat five of the bottom eight already.
In the forward line, expect to see Marius Bulter and Said El Mala up front, while the absence of defender Rav van den Berg will place more pressure on centre-backs Jahmai Simpson-Pusey and Luka Lochoshvili.
Union Berlin vs Koln form guide & betting tips
| Union Berlin | vs | Koln |
|---|---|---|
LLWDD |
Form | DLWLD |
| 5 | Points | 5 |
| 15th | Form Table | 14th |
| 3 | Goals For | 4 |
| 11 | Goals Against | 5 |
LWDDL |
Form (All Comps) | LWLDW |
Whispers predicts: Union Berlin 2-1 Koln
An away win has been priced at 31/20 (2.55), but a Union victory at 17/10 (2.7) should not be discounted.
Union have only conceded one goal in their last three Bundesliga matches, so a strong starting bet could be Under 1.5 Goals for Koln at 4/6 (1.67).
Given Koln have conceded first in all three of their away league games this season, there could be value in backing Union to Score First at 19/20 (1.95).
Union striker Tim Skarke has scored twice in the league this season and averages the most shots on target per 90 in the Bundesliga of any player in his team (two), so there may be value in backing Tim Skarke to Score at 11/5 (3.2).
> Under 1.5 Goals for Koln at 4/6 (1.67) | Likelihood: High
> Union to Score First at 19/20 (1.95) | Likelihood: Medium
> Tim Skarke to Score at 11/5 (3.2) | Likelihood: Low