Union Berlin - 1.FC Kaiserslautern

It was not the best start for Union into the Season and with their high expectations they had on themselves it was more a big disappointment so far. They stand under pressure in their second home game already what make things not much easier. After only one Point and two defeats in league and Cup against a low division team Viktoria Kiln 1-2 they should not lose again if they do not want to have more trouble in and around the club. Their opponent did a big better because they were able to collect 4 Points from their two games and also advanced in Cup very lucky after penalty shoot out against Hansa Rostock. It was not all well but they had more success but anyway, they had only 30 excellent minutes and this was to begin against really harmless MSV Duisburg. Therefore they want to be as focused as they can and hope that they are able to bring the performance from these 30 minutes in Duisburg on the pitch again today.

It was not a big surprise that Coach Düwel said in the press conference that they had a very weak start into the season but he hopes that today's 90 minutes bring the turnaround and the atmosphere is a bit more relaxed as at the moment. He wants to correct some things and he must find the right balance between offensive and defensive as well but at home they are always a bit more strong.

Squad wise he can choose from almost all players because Nebihi, Quaner and Skrzybski are all back in team training since wednesday and have no problems anymore. Since thursday Coach Düwel is working hard with the team for the game against Kaiserslautern and he does this behind closed doors. Compared to the Cup game it is not far away that he changes again, with Daube who is back from injury he has an option also Schönheim was not in the squad in Cup but should be in the starting lineup immediately and replace Parensen. More options are there in midfield where he can rotate huge. With Daube, Quaner, Skruzybski and Wood he can move some players if in the starting lineup or maybe one or two out it is not really out due to the closed doors of the training sessions. Also Quiring can be an option as wing who has the speed and can create a lot of good actions anyway. The next man who must tremble for his place is Thiel who had not the best performances lately. He can be replaced form the guys mentioned above or also a new face with Redondo.

The Team from Kaiserslautern can drive very relaxed to Berlin after their good start but they should take this not to easy because they did almost always very hard there. Coach Runjaic was warning his team already that this can be a very tough match and Union has to play for something after the bad start. They want to show that they are able to compete with the teams in 2.BL and the fans will push them additional. But he said also that they know this situation already, also from Cup in Rostock. They have to be as focused as they can and should try to play as compact as they can and allow not to much, and not to many mistakes too.

Coach Runjaic said that the performance was ok so far but he wants to see some improvement from all parts of the team. It seems that he makes some changes, Zimmer was rested against Rostock, he can return and replace Mockenhaupt on the back wing again. Also Karl should be back in the starting lineup and plays beside Ring. Both Halfar and Przybylko are seeded to play while the other offensive positions are still open. Runjaic has not found the right players so far, therefore he is testing once again. Players like Jenssen, Thommy or Kilch could not convince so far and he is think to change the system a bit to a more offensive minded one with two attackers. This brings new signing Colak from 1.FC Nürnberg in a good position according to the slight injury from Görtler. 

We can expect an interesting game and maybe how the teams react after the Cup game.