Union Berlin vs. VfB Stuttgart preview: Die Eisernen look to secure safety | OneFootball

Union Berlin

Following a meteoric rise from the second tier to the Champions League over the past five years, Union’s 2024-25 campaign has been a more modest affair. However, their recent form suggests a strong finish is on the cards, with Die Eisernen unbeaten in their last five Bundesliga matches.

That run includes eye-catching away wins over Eintracht Frankfurt and Freiburg, as well as a disciplined 0-0 draw away at Bayer Leverkusen last weekend, a result that all but ended the defending champions’ title hopes.

With 11 points collected from their past five games, Union Berlin are now firmly clear of the relegation battle, sitting 13th in the table, 12 points above 16th-placed Heidenheim with just five games remaining.

While goals have been in short supply, Union are the second-lowest scorers at home in the league; their defensive record in the capital remains excellent, boasting the second-best home defence in the Bundesliga. A tight, low-scoring encounter could be on the cards.

Team News

Union remain without Aljoscha Kemlein for the rest of the season due to a foot injury, while Jerome Roussillon is unavailable after picking up a knock in the draw with Leverkusen.

Josip Juranovic is also ruled out with a minor calf issue, reducing Urs Fischer’s options in defence.

VfB Stuttgart

After dreams of a Champions League return, Stuttgart’s domestic form has faltered badly, leaving them at risk of missing out on European qualification altogether.

Just one win in their last eight Bundesliga outings has seen Sebastian Hoeneß’s men slide to 11th in the standings, five points off sixth-placed Freiburg and a potential Europa League spot.

Their latest setback came last weekend when they fell to a surprise 2-1 home defeat against Werder Bremen, with Oliver Burke netting twice in an unlikely match-winning display.

Despite their slump, Stuttgart will hope their dominant 4-0 victory over Bochum on April 5 sparks a revival. Ermedin Demirovic bagged a hat-trick in that match, offering a timely reminder of the side’s attacking quality.

Stuttgart do have a good recent record against Union, winning each of their last four encounters across all competitions. However, they were humbled 3-0 at this venue just a year ago in April 2023, with Sheraldo Becker among the scorers for the hosts.

Team News

Stuttgart will be without striker Nick Woltemade following his red card against Werder Bremen, after the club’s appeal was unsuccessful.

Centre-back Dan-Axel Zagadou is still sidelined and racing to recover in time for the final weeks of the season.