Union Berlin vs 1.FC Köln - Preview and Prediction

Overview

In an intriguing Bundesliga clash, Union Berlin is set to host 1.FC Köln at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei this Wednesday. Both teams are neck and neck in the league table, with each side desperate for points to climb away from the relegation zone. Union Berlin, playing at home, will look to leverage their home advantage and recent head-to-head record against Köln to secure a much-needed victory.

Union Berlin

Union Berlin has had a challenging season so far, sitting at 15th in the Bundesliga with just 10 points from 14 games. Their recent form has been inconsistent, as reflected in their last five matches which read "LWDLL", including a disappointing 3-0 defeat in their last fixture against VfL Bochum. Despite these setbacks, Union Berlin has shown some resilience at home and will be looking to turn their fortunes around in front of their own fans.

The team's goal difference stands at -16, indicating that both scoring goals and defensive solidity have been issues this campaign. However, their past performances against Köln offer a glimmer of hope; they have won three and drawn two of their last encounters with the Billy Goats, suggesting a psychological edge going into this match.

1.FC Köln

Köln finds themselves in a similar predicament to their hosts, positioned just below Union Berlin at 16th in the table with an identical points tally but having played one game more. Their form has been slightly better than Union's in recent outings, with a record of "LDWLD" over their last five matches. However, like Union Berlin, they suffered a loss in their most recent match, falling 2-0 to SC Freiburg.

The team also shares the same goal difference of -16 with their upcoming opponents, highlighting similar struggles in both attack and defense. Playing away from home could be an additional challenge for Köln, especially considering their unfavorable record against Union Berlin in recent times.

Prediction

The prediction for this match favors Union Berlin as the likely winners. This forecast is based on several factors including Union Berlin's home advantage, their historical upper hand over Köln in recent meetings, and both teams' comparable league positions and form. With both sides desperate for points to avoid slipping further into relegation trouble, it promises to be a tightly contested affair.

However, it's important to note that football can be unpredictable and while Union Berlin might be tipped for victory, Köln will certainly not make it easy for them. The match data indicates no referee has been assigned yet for the game which will take place at Union Berlin's Stadion An der Alten Försterei in Berlin on Mittwoch.