Union Berlin vs Freiburg Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 German Bundesliga
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Union Berlin started the season in the Champions League but could end it with relegation from the Bundesliga if they lose to Freiburg and the result of FC Cologne away at Heidenheim goes against them.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Saturday 18th May 2024, UK – 14:30 / US EST – 09:30 / US PST – 07:30
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Sky Sports schedule / US – ESPN
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Sky Go / US – ESPN+
UNION BERLIN PREVIEW: KEEPING FC COLOGNE AT BAY THE PRIORITY FOR UNION
Union Berlin rolled the dice with an interim head coach in the hope for a boost which ultimately keeps them not only above the automatic relegation places, but also sees them finish the season outside the bottom three entirely. However, right now it looks like only one of those scenarios will come true as it stands.
Avoiding defeat here guarantees that Union will not be relegated with immediate effect, which is the number one priority. But only victory gives the hosts any chance of leapfrogging either Mainz or Bochum and securing their survival outright with their goal difference keeping Bochum within reach despite the gap between the two clubs being three points.
FREIBURG PREVIEW: STREICH HOPING TO END MONUMENTAL REIGN ON A HIGH-NOTE
An era comes to an end for Freiburg on Saturday as Christian Streich takes charge of his final game before leaving the club. The Bundesliga’s longest-serving head coach will depart Freiburg after over 12 years in charge, leaving his side in a wonderful position going forward following a fantastic last couple of seasons in particular.
Having gone four league games without victory, Freiburg are behind the eight-ball as they fight to finish above Hoffenheim and claim seventh-place. They need to overhaul a one-point-gap and their only chance to do that is by winning here and hoping that Hoffenheim slip up due to their far superior goal difference.
UNION BERLIN TEAM NEWS: MIDFIELD GENERAL KHEDIRA SUSPENDED
The loss of experienced central midfielder Sami Khedira is a huge blow for the hosts. The enforcer and a leader of this Union side is close to irreplaceable and in a game of such magnitude, his presence would’ve been a hugely calming influence to his teammates.
Without Khedira, the onus falls on both Haberer and Schafer to dominate in the middle of the park, with Brendon Aaronson pushing forward. Christoph Trimmel should play in the right-hand-side and his role becomes even more important in regards to leading the team with Khedira out. Robin Gosens is expected to start as well.
PREDICTED XI (3-5-2): Ronnow; Doekhi, Knoche, Leite; Trimmel, Haberer, Aaronson, Schafer, Gosens; Volland, Hollerbach
UNAVAILABLE: Busk (Injured), Khedira (Suspended)
QUESTIONABLE: Vogt (Injured)
FREIBURG TEAM NEWS: LONG INJURY LIST CONTINUES TO HAMPER FREIBURG
Up to six players are missing through injury for Freiburg and these absentees goes some way to explaining their recent struggles on the pitch when it comes to winning games. Sildillia’s suspension will also hurt them heading into this one.
Midfielder Ginter is arguably the pick of those missing and he leaves a hole within the middle of the part for Freiburg which needs to be covered accordingly. Gregoritsch up top will hope to take any chances that come his way.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-3): Atubolu; Kubler, Keitel, Makengo; Doan, Eggestein, Hofler, Gunter; Sallai, Gregoritsch, Grifo
UNAVAILABLE: Ginter (Injured), Gulde (Injured), Kyereh (Injured), Lienhart (Injured), Rohl (Injured), Schmidt (Injured), Sildillia (Suspended)
QUESTIONABLE:
UNION BERLIN VS FREIBURG PREDICTION
Freiburg have proven quite the draw specialists in the past few weeks and three of their last four games ending that way can’t be ignored. A point would be enough to keep Union Berlin out of the automatic relegation places. However, it would also ensure that they face a relegation play-off. But the risk of losing is too great and could adversely affect their players on the pitch. Expect a nervous atmosphere and a cagey game, with a draw well worth backing.
UNION BERLIN VS FREIBURG TIP: DRAW
