Union Berlin vs. Freiburg preview: Hosts looking to bounce back

Here is our preview of Friday’s Bundesliga clash between Union Berlin and Freiburg, including our predicted lineups.

Union Berlin

Winless in their last three games in all competitions, Union Berlin will be hoping to return to winning ways when they host Freiburg on Friday evening.

The Berliners can take heart from the fact that they’ve generally made a strong start to life under new coach Bo Svensson – and that they didn’t make life easy for Bayern last week, despite losing 3-0 to the Bavarians.

Union have been particularly strong at home, where they are unbeaten this season and have won three out of four games. They also have a good home record against Freiburg, having beaten them in their last two games at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.

Four months into his tenure, Union coach Bo Svensson has noticed how much of a boost playing at home gives his team.

“I can already see what a difference it can make,” Svensson said at his pre-match press conference.

The Union coach has also noticed that Freiburg play a little differently under Julian Schuster than they did under Christian Streich.

“They are a bit more dynamic and straightforward,” he said, but went on to point out that the basic virtues are the same.

“Finding solutions in all phases of the game and maintaining strength from set pieces, for example.”

Team News

Union will be without Stein (surgery), but could welcome Tousart and Juranovic back.

Freiburg

Sitting in sixth place, one point above seventh-placed Union, Freiburg have made a strong start to the season under new coach Julian Schuster, who has replaced long-serving Christian Streich at the helm.

Schuster is well aware of the challenge that awaits his side, describing Union Berlin as a ” real tight-knit unit”.

“Last season was a difficult one for them, but they’re now back to how I’ve always known them. They defend with passion and their results reflect that. They keep things tight – creating chances against them is hard,” Schuster said at his pre-match press conference.

After a rather frustrating 0-0 draw with Mainz, Schuster will be hoping to get his side back on the winning track, although he knows it won’t be easy to play away at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.

“I love games like these, they’re similar to cup ties. There’s a real energy at the Alte Försterei, matches there are fantastic. Both teams have started the season relatively well and it’s going to be an interesting test for each club,” said Schuster.

Team News

Long-term absentees Gulde (back), Kyereh (knee) and Röhl (ankle) remain out for Freiburg.