Union Berlin - Karlsruher SC

Both teams were looking to the top places before the Season but the truth is much different after 22 matches now. Both have to look forward to get as soon as possible 40 Points to be safe early in the Season. Union had a lot of problems above all at home and could only win twice there. Nevertheless they have with 9 Points a good advantage to the bottom zone and this should be enough for the last matches not to get in danger. Of course they are only 3 Points behind KSC but both are only in the midfield of the table right now. KSC has with 8 Points to the top maybe a small chance with a winning streak to return but it is not realistic anyway.

Some problems are already there in Berlin and the next was that Coach Lewandowski got ill and is not available in the upcoming 3 weeks for his team. The interim Coach Hofschneider moves into the position as Head-Coach but he said that he does not want to make much changes compared to the last game. He has no contact to Lewandowski right now and they are working to prepare the team well for the game against KSC.
According to the long injury list with 7 absent players he has not the options to changes much anyway. The only good news is maybe the return from top striker Wood who is a candidate to be available again after he must pass against RB Leipzig. He should replace Quaner in attack and bring a bit more power and dangerousness in the play from Union who was not to see in Leipzig. No other changes possible, only that midfield player Zejnullahu could be out too according to his big problems at the moment.

In Karlsruhe they had to be satisfied with the result to Braunschweig 2-2 although they were expecting much more before the game. But after Sallihi saw the yellow red card they were lucky to come back and equalize in the end with Diamantakos who came surprisingly from bench in this game. Therefore Coach Kauczinski has to replace Sallihi on the wing for this match. For this position he has two opportunities. Former back wing Kempe is ready after knee injury and can replace Sallihi now or Valentini move from the right to the left wing while Traut move into the team and plays on the right wing. All the other positions maybe remain unchanged but Stoll is a big doubt in central back after having some problems in training with his thigh. For him can starts Gordon in central back who sit on bench for long time now. Also Diamantakos is an option from beginning on again while Hoffer is out of the starting lineup then.

We expect a close game with slight advantage for KSC and therefore we go for the away team here.

PICK: Karlsruher SC AHC +0,25 @ 1,75 (3 Units / Flat Stake)