1. FC Union Berlin are back in the hunt for Bundesliga points with a trip to newly-promoted Greuther Fürth on Sunday afternoon (15:30 CET).
Review – The last match:
Urs Fischer’s side ran out 2-1 winners in the Bundesliga at home to RB Leipzig last Friday, moving temporarily into the top four positions. Taiwo Awoniyi bundled in the opening goal from a set play, but Christopher Nkunku equalised a few minutes later with a long-range shot. Union’s dominance paid off in the second half as the snow started to come down in Köpenick. A training ground set-piece saw Max Kruse’s shot deflected with Timo Baumgartl following up with a short-distance finish.
Fürth – Opposition Report:
Greuther Fürth are one of the most historic German clubs – a three-time championship winner in the 1920s and 30s – who returned to the Bundesliga this term. Stefan Leitl’s team, who play their games at the 18000 Sportpark Ronhof, are at the foot of the table with one solitary point from 14 matches in the 2021/22 campaign. Considering their limited resources, Fürth have unsurprisingly struggled to keep the back door shut against top opposition. Bayer Leverkusen won 7-1 last weekend off the back of a 6-3 defeat at home to Hoffenheim and a 4-0 loss at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Fürth’s single point was a 1-1 draw at home to Arminia Bielefeld in August.
Fürth – The coach’s view:
Fischer said: “They have 1 point from 14 matches, but despite that, I have to give a lot of praise to Stefan Leitl. The team is always very well prepared for the next challenge having watched some of their previous games. There were some even matches. Against Hoffenheim in the last home game, they had a chance to make it 2-0 but instead were at 1-1. For their work, they deserve more.”
Personnel:
Laurenz Dehl is the main absentee through injury, but there was good news as Urs Fischer confirmed the youngster was taking steps forward. Marvin Friedrich and Jakob Busk are ill and unavailable for selection.
Service: