Hertha BSC Berlin - Union Berlin

Big City Derby in Berlin when Hertha BSC hosts Union for an important match as both are in promotion fight. If Hertha win this one they overcome leader Braunschweig while Union needs the win too to get closer to Kaiserslautern. Home side can make the gap bigger to third place while Union can close it a bit and are only 4 points behind Kaiserslautern.

It was more or less hard work for Hertha against Regensburg last weekend. Of course they won 5-1 there but I think some goals to high as they were not on their best level. First half was awful, second was better but thanks to Ronny who was again the difference. Against Union Coach Luhukay plans some changes because left back wing Holland is not available due to suspension, he will replaced by Bastians, also Pekarik is ready and an option as right back wing and gives Ndjeng the option to move on his normal position while Allagui must on bench because his performance was not well against Regensburg on this position as wing. Also Ben Hatira returns after his long injury time and can play for Sahar on the wing as the Israeli was even not in his best form. Sure in the starting lineup should be Kluge and Niemeyer although they are slightly injured but the experienced double six is ready. Two players (Franz and Lasogga) were suspended by the coach for the game against Union because of trainings fight.  

Good match, good start for Union but they want to continue like this way and therefore they must win this one as well. They played very good against Sandhausen and won deserved 3-1. In this match they showed already that they are able for higher ambitions. But one of the best playing man Parensen is out with illness today. He was one of the most active players against Sandhausen and help the team a lot. This is a big blow now but with Stuff returns one player who was out last weekend and can be in starting lineup immediately while Schönheim moves towards and plays on Parensen’s position in midfield. Another option should be Quiring who can replace Jopek who had not his best day last time. Striker Özbeck who scored in last match is only on bench again but if he comes in, he is ready.  

Probably lineup:

Hertha BSC: Kraft – Pekarik, Lustenberger, Brooks, Bastians – Niemeyer, Kluge – Ndjeng, Ronny, Sahar (Ben Hatira) – Ramos

1. FC Union Berlin: Haas – Pfertzel, Stuff, Puncec, Kohlmann – Menz – Quiring, Mattuschka, Schönheim – Nemec, Terodde