1. FC Union Berlin are in Frankfurt this Sunday (15:30 CET) as Urs Fischer’s side look to build on a positive week of results following a derby win and three points in Haifa.+
Review – The last match:
Union secured a vital three points in Haifa on Thursday night to book a winner-takes-all battle with Slavia Prague on the final matchday of Group E in the UEFA Europa Conference League. A strong, composed Union performance in Israel was capped off by Julian Ryerson’s header on 66 minutes to clinch the points and give the Bundesliga side a chance of qualification for the knockout rounds.
In the Bundesliga, Union ran out 2-0 winners against local rivals Hertha at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei last Saturday. Taiwo Awoniyi and Christopher Trimmel fired goals in against the Old Lady to make it an unbeaten run of three in derby matches at the Alte Försterei.
Frankfurt – The opposition report:
Oliver Glasner’s Eintracht Frankfurt are competing across the Bundesliga and UEFA Europa League themselves in the 2021/22 campaign. After a wobbly start for the Eagles under new management, they have stabilised in recent weeks and enjoyed a good run of results. Frankfurt have given themselves some leeway in the Bundesliga above the relegation zone, moving up to 11th with a 2-0 win at high-flying SC Freiburg. On Thursday, Frankfurt were held by Belgians Royal Antwerp but are still to make qualification to the last 16 set before the final matchday.
Frankfurt – The coach’s view:
“For me, Frankfurt is very compact and also aggressive in Zone 2,” described Urs Fischer. “I like their transitions, have very clear targets and speed. They have quick creative players like Filip Kostic who we can’t take our eye off in the 90 minutes. Frankfurt are doing well at the moment and it will be a hard challenge.”
Personnel:
Julian Ryerson was taken off on Thursday in Haifa with an injury, but has recovered and is on a good way according to coach Fischer. There are no other major injury problems concerning the 21-man group in Frankfurt.
Service:
There will 750 away supporters at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt. There is no opportunity to buy tickets on matchday at the stadium. Inside the stadium, 10% of attendees can bring a negative PCR-test. All other fans must follow 2G rules and show relevant documentation. A medical mask is required at all times.