SV Darmstadt 98 - Union Berlin

Important three points for Darmstadt on home soil

TEAM NEWS

Dirk Schuster’s Darmstadt have a full-strength side for this weekend clash, with Peter Niemeyer, Yannick Stark, Baris Atik and Joel Mall the only four absentees.

Union Berlin are missing the injured Sebastian Polter, Jacob Busk Jensen, Grischa Promel, Felix Kroos and Fabian Schonheim.

Darmstadt

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Peter Niemeyer, Yannick Stark (both foot); Joel Mall (shoulder), Baris Atik (unspecified), 

Union Berlin

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Fabian Schonheim, Grischa Promel (both knee), Sebastian Polter (Achilles), Jacob Busk Jensen (unspecified), Felix Kroos (foot)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Darmstadt are living life dangerously as they still sit on 17^thplace in the table following their 1-1 draw away from home to Union Berlin last weekend. Despite an eight-match unbeaten run they are still three points from safety while their recent form hardly backs them up as they have clinched just two wins during that spell, with the other six games ending level. Furthermore, the team have not scored more than one goal in 15 of their last 16 matches.

Union Berlin have had a campaign to forget and Saturday’s 1-1 draw with lowly Heidenheim was another disappointing result at Alte Forsterei. Since beating Sandhausen 2-1 at home back in late February, Union have taken just seven points from the last 21 on offer.

The team remain ninth in the table but are only four points above the drop zone with three matches left.

Darmstadt have never really got going this term, winning just four, drawing five and losing six of their 15 league games at Bollenfalltor. Only one team have secured fewer points on their own turf, but Darmstadt are desperately in need of points and this is almost their last chance in a bid to avoid relegation. I will back them here.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – EVEN

Two of the three meetings between these two sides have finished with even total goals. Back the same outcome in Darmstadt this weekend.

HEAD TO HEAD

Union Berlin and Heidenheim have met at Bollenfalltor on only one occasion, with the hosts winning 1-0. The reverse fixture earlier this season was an entertaining 3-3 draw.