Union Berlin - Dynamo Dresden

Surprise result expected at Alte Forsterei

TEAM NEWS

Union Berlin will once again be without the long-term injured Marc Torrejon and Michael Parensen.

Dresden's coach Maik Walpurgis has to find replacements for the injured Jannik Muller and Florian Ballas while Niklas Kreuzer is out with a stomach muscle and the time of his return is unknown. 

Union Berlin

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Marc Torrejon (calf), Michael Parensen (knee)

Dresden

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Florian Ballas (shoulder), Jannik Muller (foot), Niklas Kreuzer (stomach muscle)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN

Union Berlin maintained their unbeaten start to the league season with a 0-0 draw at newly-promoted Paderborn last time out. Urs Fischer’s men have without a doubt been the most consistent team in the league so far, winning four and drawing six to occupy third spot in Germany’s second tier. Only Greuther Furth and Cologne sit above them with a one- and two-point lead respectively. This means that a win here could potentially catapult Union to the top of the standings if other results go their way too.  

Dresden have made a steady start to their season, winning four, drawing two and losing four. The side have also drawn two of their last five matches in the league, along with two wins and one loss. They are coming off a 1-1 draw against Aue at DDV Arena, but will have been disappointed with that result, having played most of the second half with a numerical advantage. Nevertheless, Maik Walpurgis has made Dresden hard to beat in recent weeks, with the side sitting nicely in ninth spot at the moment.

On paper, this should be an easy win for the hosts but in this East German derby everything is possible. I expect a big fight between the teams which could go either way – and I think the visitors will nick an unexpected away win. 

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD – DRAW

Union Berlin have been level at half time in five of their ten league matches while Dresden have been drawing after 45 minutes in four of theirs. Another first-half draw could be on the cards here.

HEAD TO HEAD

Last season, both league fixtures were won 1-0 by the respective away team. However, Union Berlin have the edge at Alte Forsterei with two wins, three draws and one defeat.