Union Berlin vs Stuttgart Prediction & Tips
Taiwo Awoniyi’s own goal against Wolfsburg last time out condemned Union Berlin to their fourth defeat in their last five Bundesliga (G1) matches. Union’s chances of qualifying for European competitions in consecutive seasons for the first time in their history are rapidly dwindling, although they are unbeaten in five league matches against Stuttgart, which could give them some confidence heading into this encounter (G1, E4).
While the Union’s overall performance is not good on paper, they have been hard to beat in their own stadium. Only one of their last six home league games has seen them lose (G4, E1), and only the top two teams in the league table have managed to emerge victorious from the Stadion An der Alten Försterei so far (G7, E3) – a position that Stuttgart, who currently start the day in the automatic relegation places, will envy.
That position shows just how difficult a season it has been for Stuttgart, although their first win in ten games during their last outing (E2, P7) after beating Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-2 means they are now just one point off the relegation playoff spot. That win was also the team’s first after conceding the first goal (G1, E2, P11), something worth noting considering they recorded a 1-1 draw in the last meeting between these two sides despite conceding the first goal and being a man down.
However, this is not enough to ignore Stuttgart’s terrible away record – only bottom-placed Greuther Fürth have taken fewer league points away from home this season than Stuttgart’s seven (G1, E4, P7). They have been most vulnerable after the break, with 76 % of their goals conceded in league engagements on opposition soil being registered in the second half.
Players to watch: Taiwo Awoniyi will be looking to bounce back and, remarkably, each of his last three Bundesliga goals for the Union were registered in home wins. Defender Wataru Endo could become one of Stuttgart’s top scorers with four league goals if he scores again in his third successive appearance.
Weekend stat: Stuttgart have conceded four goals after the 85th minute during their last four Bundesliga matches.
Union Berlin – Stuttgart FREE TIPS
Union Berlin – Win @ 2.25
