Wolfsburg vs Union Berlin Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 German Bundesliga
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Wolfsburg vs Union Berlin on and what time does it start? Wolfsburg vs Union Berlin will take place on Saturday 16th September, 2023 – 14:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Wolfsburg vs Union Berlin? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What channel is Wolfsburg vs Union Berlin on in the UK? Sky Sports have the rights to German Bundesliga matches in the UK so it is worth checking their schedule for Wolfsburg vs Union Berlin
Where can I stream Wolfsburg vs Union Berlin in the UK? If televised on Sky Sports, Wolfsburg vs Union Berlincan be streamed live on the Sky Go app
THE LOWDOWN
WOLFSBURG
Wolfsburg’s perfect start to the 2023-24 campaign came to a shuddering halt in Sinsheim two weeks ago. It all started so well for Niko Kovac’s side after Tiago Tomas gave them the lead against Hoffenheim. However, an equaliser in the dying embers of the first half knocked the stuffing out of them and the hosts took full advantage.
The second period was a huge struggle for Wolfsburg, who did not turn up and were punished as appropriate, ultimately losing 3-1. The defeat saw them drop into seventh-place and with a tough run of fixtures ahead, they’ll need to show significant character and emerge from the international break a stronger team.
UNION BERLIN
Like the hosts, Union Berlin had won each of their opening two Bundesliga fixtures and were in a good place ahead of the third round of Bundesliga fixtures. But after a goalless first-half against RB Leipzig, Marco Rose’s men came out in the second half and served notice, breaking the deadlock through Xavi Simons. As Union pushed for the equaliser, Benjamin Sesko’s pace on the counter-attack proved their undoing and the striker netted twice late on to ensure the home side’s defeat.
Whilst Union Berlin will be desperate to come out and get back on the winning trail, this latest run of fixtures will prove the biggest challenge in the club’s history as they get set to make their Champions League debut this coming Wednesday away to Real Madrid. One can’t help but wonder if that will be invading the minds of their players leading into this one.
THE TEAM NEWS
WOLFSBURG
When taking into account his goal against Hoffenheim and Patrick Wimmer currently struggling with a muscle injury, Tomas is likely to be afforded a second consecutive start for Wolfsburg. However, both Kilian Fischer and Lukas Nmecha remain absent, both due to knee injuries. Yannick Gerhardt could come into the centre of midfield.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Casteels; Maehle, Lacroix, Zesiger, Rogerio; Svanberg, Arnold, Gerhardt; Cerny, Wind, Tomas
UNAVAILABLE: Fischer (Injured), Nmecha (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Wimmer (Injured)
UNION BERLIN
Kevin Volland won’t play any part of this one as he is suspended, whilst both Sami Khedira and Andras Schafer remain out through calf and foot injuries respectively. Sheraldo Becker is doubtful but in better news, new signing Leonardo Bonucci could be on the bench for the first time as a Union Berlin player.
PREDICTED XI (3-5-2): Ronnow; Doekhi, Knoche, Leite; Trimmel, Laidouni, Aaronson, Haberer, Gosens; Fofana, Behrens
UNAVAILABLE: Khedira (Injured), Schafer (Injured), Volland (Suspended)
QUESTIONABLE: Becker (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
In the vast majority of games played so far this season by either of these two teams, goals have been in plentiful supply. Wolfsburg have racked up 11 goals across their last four in all competitions, whilst Union Berlin have scored four times in three of their opening four fixtures already. With that in mind, expect an entertaining battle and back over 2.5 goals to be scored for what would be the fourth consecutive Bundesliga involving Union Berlin and third involving Wolfsburg.
TIP: OVER 2.5 GOALS
