The race for the top spots in the Bundesliga intensifies as Union Berlin hosts SC Freiburg in the Matchweek 10 curtain raiser on Friday evening at Stadion An der Alten Försterei in Berlin.
With Union Berlin currently in 7th place after securing 15 points from their opening 9 matches, they will be looking to bounce back after a recent loss to league leaders Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, Freiburg is just one place above them in the table after a 0-0 draw with Mainz in their last outing.
Team Previews
Union Berlin: Solid Defense, Struggling Attack
Union Berlin has had a solid start to the season, boasting the 3rd-best defensive record in the league with just 8 goals conceded. However, their attack has struggled, having scored just 9 goals, making them one of the lowest-scoring teams in the league.
Under Bo Svensson, Union has relied on a pragmatic approach, focusing on a well-organized defense while struggling to create attacking chances.
SC Freiburg: Strong Start Under Schuster
Freiburg, led by Julian Schuster, has enjoyed a great start to the campaign, with their recent 0-0 draw with Mainz being their first stalemate of the season. Despite the result, Schuster’s side has shown resilience and has been impressive in European competitions, advancing to the DFB-Pokal Round of 16 after a 2-1 victory over Hamburger SV.
The club has scored 2 or more goals in seven matches so far this season, showcasing their attacking strength.
Team News
Union Berlin: Minimal Injury Concerns
Union Berlin has relatively few injury issues heading into this fixture. Josip Juranovic (right-back) and Yannic Stein (goalkeeper) are both sidelined until later in November. Frederik Ronnow is expected to start in goal, with a defensive back-three of Danilho Doekhi, Kevin Vogt, and Diogo Leite. Midfielder Lucas Tousart is a doubt for this match, with a potential midfield partnership of Aljoscha Kemlein and Rani Khedira if Tousart doesn’t recover in time.
SC Freiburg: Missing Key Players
Freiburg will be without defenders Jordy Makengo, Kenneth Schmidt, and Manuel Gulde. Their backline will likely include Lukas Kübler, Matthias Ginter, Philipp Lienhart, and Christian Günter. In midfield, Maximilian Eggestein and Patrick Osterhage will likely start, with Daniel-Kofi Kyereh out injured until late November. In attack, Merlin Röhl is unavailable, and Ritsu Doan, Eren Dinkci, and Vincenzo Grifo will support Chukwubuike Adamu up front.
Likely Lineups
| Union Berlin (3-4-3) | SC Freiburg (4-2-3-1) |
|---|---|
| Ronnow (GK) | Atubolu (GK) |
| Doekhi, Vogt, Leite | Kübler, Ginter, Lienhart, Günter |
| Trimmel, Kemlein, Khedira, Rothe | Eggestein, Osterhage |
| Jeong, Jordan, Vertessen | Doan, Dinkci, Grifo |
| Adamu (ST) |
Key Players to Watch
- Union Berlin: Tom Rothe
The young midfielder, Tom Rothe, has been crucial for Union Berlin’s balance in midfield. The 20-year-old’s energy and work rate down the left-hand side have been essential to the team’s build-up play. Rothe has started seven matches this season and is becoming an important figure in the squad. - SC Freiburg: Vincenzo Grifo
Vincenzo Grifo continues to be Freiburg’s standout performer, contributing with 8 goal involvements already this season. The 31-year-old winger has been pivotal in Freiburg’s attack, creating opportunities and scoring goals. His experience and leadership make him a player to watch in this match.
Match Information
- Stadium: Stadion An der Alten Försterei, Berlin
- Kick-off: 19:30 BST
- Where to Watch:
- UK: Sky Sports
- USA: ESPN+
Prediction
With both teams showing strengths in defense but struggling to produce consistent attacking performances, this fixture is likely to be a closely contested battle. Freiburg’s solid start to the season gives them an edge, but Union Berlin’s strong defense could make them difficult to break down. Expect a low-scoring affair with both teams fighting for vital points. Prediction: Draw or Freiburg win.
