1.FC Nürnberg - Union Berlin

Two in-form teams fighting for the top

TEAM NEWS

Nurnberg can count on the same team as in their previous matches. Lukas Muhl, Dennis Lippert and Philipp Forster are all out, but they are not considered important players.

Union Berlin will be travelling to Nurnberg without Kenny Prince Redondo, Dennis Daube and Akaki Gogia which are all still injured. Coach Jens Keller will be able to employ his best starting line-up after almost all key players were rested in their recent cup game.

Nurnberg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Lukas Muhl (unspecified), Dennis Lippert (knee), Philipp Forster (knee)

Union Berlin

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Kenny Prince Redondo (shoulder), Dennis Daube (knee), Akaki Gogia (heel)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW

Nurnberg have a 100% record so far, having registered two wins out of two matches. They were the better side in both games and can count on a strong defensive line. The team have kept a clean sheet in both games while up front they are dangerous and produce good goalscoring opportunities. Nurnberg were also victorious against Duisburg in the cup on Monday, winning 2-1.

Union Berlin were involved in a great showdown against Kiel in the league two weeks ago. They came from behind twice but scored the winning goal in the second half. Like their opponents, Union have clinched two victories so far and are sitting in second on goal difference. Another win would mean that they can leapfrog their opponents, but it will be tough. They beat Saarbrucken in extra time in the cup on Sunday.

If Union Berlin can continue their winning streak at in Nurnberg it is quite possible that they will be amongst the top teams of the 2.Bundesliga this season. However, with both teams in convincing form a draw seems likely here.

SECOND PREDICTION: TOTAL GOALS – FOUR

This encounter should produce goals with both teams being proficient up front, with Nurnberg having scored four and Union Berlin five – the league’s highest – so far. If one team take the lead early in this game the match will be stretched wide open and have a lot of space. For this reason I expect the goals to flow in this game and predict four in total.

HEAD TO HEAD

Four of the last five meetings were won by the respective home team, while the other match ended in a draw.