Union Berlin
- Union Berlin have lost their last three consecutive matches (two 3-1 away losses and a 2-1 home loss).
- Union Berlin have won only four of their 15 home Bundesliga games (D6, L5).
- The hosts are on a run of zero wins, one draw and four defeats in their last five and have failed to win any of their last two home matches (D1, L1).
- Marie-Louise Eta has taken over at the helm in an effort to steady the ship in Berlin, but she has not deviated from the compact, high-intensity, wing-based approach of the Union.
Koln
- Rene Wagner has added some shape-shifting tactics and pragmatism to Koln’s play since taking over in March, allowing them to be more patient in their build-up play and to rotate attacks.
- FC Koln have won two, drawn six and lost seven of their Bundesliga away games and, although they drew 1-1 at St. Pauli and lost 2-1 at home to Bayer Leverkusen in their last two games, there is a feeling they can nick this one.
Recent meetings
The home side have won this game 1-0 away from home the last time these two Bundesliga sides met, four months ago.
Koln
El Mala is a standout threat with 11 Bundesliga goals from 31 appearances and Wagner’s men have been tough to beat since his arrival - although a lack of a killer instinct has prevented them from winning too many games.
Markets to watch
- Back Koln to win at 3.04 for the win and Over 2.5 goals at 1.96 and Both Teams to Score - Yes at 1.66 to enter the parlay as well.
- Expect an end-to-end game with Union’s full-backs and wingers testing Wagner’s more rigid central set-up, which could lead to a few transitions that could spell danger.
- Union score an average of 1.33 goals per home game and concede 1.60, while Koln score 1.07 away and concede 1.73, so the stats back up the odds on goals in this one.
Our call
The visitors have failed to get a win in their two most recent away head-to-heads with Union and have not yet broken the hoodoo of the Stadion An der Alten Försterei - so we are happy to take them to at least earn a share of the spoils.
