Union Berlin - Holstein Kiel

Union Berlin keen to keep 100% record going

TEAM NEWS

Union Berlin have a fully fit squad available, giving coach Jens Keller a lot of choice ahead of the second game of the season.

Holstein Kiel are still without Arne Sicker, Luca Durholtz and Atakan Karazor.

Union Berlin

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: None

Holstein Kiel

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Arne Sicker (unspecified), Luca Durholtz (illness), Atakan Karazor (ankle)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Union Berlin celebrated their first win of the season away from home last weekend against relegated Ingolstadt. It was a difficult game for them, with coach Jens Keller fielding two new players, Marc Torrejon and Marcel Hartel, in the starting line-up. The team spent almost all their time defending and only managed a few counterattacks, but they eventually took the lead through an incredible shot from Christopher Trimmel outside the box and did not allow Ingolstadt to get back into the game afterwards. The club were without a doubt lucky to have taken the lead, but after scoring the goal they played very well and dominated the match.

Newly-promoted Holstein Kiel are coming off a very entertaining 2-2 draw against Sandhausen. Although they were two goals down at half time they managed to secure a point with a goal in 75^th minute, followed by another very late one from a free kick in stoppage time. After a very disappointing start in the first half, Holstein Kiel were much more present in the second part of the game and played like they did last season. They had great morale and team spirit, which pushed them to the limit, and they deserved the draw. 

Despite Holstein Kiel’s positive performance last time out, I still think that Union Berlin will win this one as they have started the season well and will be keen to build on their momentum. Home win.

SECOND PREDICTION: HALF-TIME RESULT: DRAW

Eight of the ten goals scored in Union Berlin’s last five home matches in 2.Bundesliga arrived in the second half, meaning that three of those games were level at half time. With Holstein Kiel scoring late in their opener too, I predict a draw here after 45 minutes.

HEAD TO HEAD

These teams meet for the first time in 2.Bundesliga.