Erzgebirge Aue - Union Berlin

Union Berlin to return to capital with win

TEAM NEWS

Goalkeeper Robert Jendrusch and defender Nicolai Rapp are the only two absentees for Aue while Dennis Kempe faces a suspension after receiving his fifth yellow card in the last league match.

Union Berlin will once again be without the long-term injured Marc Torrejon while Christopher Lenz and Fabian Schonheim are expected to return in due course. However, this league match will come too soon for them.

Aue

Suspended: Dennis Kempe

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Robert Jendrusch (meniscus), Nicolai Rapp (calf)

Union Berlin

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Marc Torrejon (calf), Christopher Lenz (pulled muscle), Fabian Schonheim (adductor)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN

Aue fell to a disappointing 2-2 home draw against league rivals Darmstadt last weekend. The Viola were 2-0 up before conceding two goals within two minutes in the second half. They have struggled for consistency of late, winning only one, drawing two and losing three of their last six league outings. The team are 12^thin Germany’s second tier at the moment, seven points above the drop zone.

Union Berlin remain in third spot following a hard-fought 2-0 win over Bochum at Alte Forsterei in their last league fixture. Urs Fischer’s men have been solid throughout the campaign, winning seven and drawing ten league matches. In fact, they are the only team left who are still unbeaten, creating a new record in Germany's second division after 17 rounds. 

Having failed to win any of their last three home league matches (two draws, one loss), I doubt Aue will be capable of inflicting a first defeat on Union Berlin. The visitors clearly have the momentum and I'll be backing them to leave with all three points this weekend.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – AUE

Despite winning only once, Aue have scored the opening goal in their last four league outings. I think they may break the deadlock in this clash, too.

HEAD TO HEAD

Aue have won just one of their last five league meetings with Union Berlin, losing three times and drawing once.