Bundesliga: Freiburg and Union Duel for Second Place

SC Freiburg vs Union Berlin

Only one between SC Freiburg and Union Berlin can get back to winning ways when they face each other at the Europa-Park Stadium this Sunday.

As Bayern Munich reclaimed the top spot in the Bundesliga standings following their wins against Hertha Berlin and Werder Bremen, previous pacesetters Union Berlin and SC Freiburg are left to settle for the second spot following their lacklustre Bundesliga 2022 results this past matchday.

SC Freiburg were pummeled by RB Leipzig 3-1 in the last time out, while Union Berlin dropped points to 14^th-placed Augsburg with a 2-2 draw on Wednesday.

There’s a sense of urgency between these two sides to grab points so that Bayern Munich won’t get away from the chasing pack once again.

Read on below as SBOTOP previews this much-awaited fixture between these two up-and-coming sides.

Talking Points

Freiburg put their home unbeaten streak on the line

The Black Forest are aiming to qualify for the Champions League for the first time under Christian Streich and they have a great chance to do so this season since they currently hold the third spot in the table.

Last week, they were trailing the top seeded Bayern Munich by just one point heading into the midweek round of fixtures, but they couldn’t get over the hump against RB Leipzig on the road.

The Red Bulls had the Black Forest pinned at their own half for the most part. Leipzig took a two-goal lead in the second half when Mohammed Simakan and Christopher Nkunku scored within just two minutes.

Lukas Kubler’s rocket volley halved the deficit, but Leipzig put the game to bed when Emil Forsberg converted a penalty during the 78^th minute.

At home, SC Freiburg are undefeated in five Bundesliga games so far this season (W4, D1). They have won each of their last three on home soil, a feat they’ve previously done from December 2020 to January 2021.

13 points after their first six home league games is their joint-best return at this stage of their campaign. They last did this feat in 1999/00 and 2003/04.

They will be led once more by Vincenzo Grifo and Michael Gregoritsch. Both of them have netted eight goals apiece thus far and have dished out five assists combined.

Union Berlin’s backline needs help

It’s been a rough start to the month of November for Union Berlin as their backline has faltered. After giving up five against Bayer Leverkusen, they’ve conceded two against Augsburg yesterday at home.

The hosts looked to control the early play and Sheraldo Becker scored his eighth goal of the season, but Florian Niederlechner replied within seconds of the restart.

14 minutes later, Kevin Behrens headed in Union Berlin’s second goal to restore their lead, but Niederlechner once again came up with a reply with an acrobatic finish off a rebound.

Die Eisernen continue to be without centre-back Danilho Doekhi and first choice shot stopper Frederik Ronnow. These two have been their unsung heroes this season, so Urs Fishcer is hopeful that they’ll be available on Sunday. 

History

SC Freiburg have only won one of their last eight meetings against Union Berlin (D2, L5) – which was a 3-1 league victory at home last March 2020. They are currently without a win against Die Eisernen in four consecutive games for the first time ever (D2, L2).

Union Berlin are in a similar funk as they’re without a win in their last two Bundesliga games for the first time since March (D1, L1), although 27 points from 14 matches is their best ever output at this stage of a Bundesliga campaign.

These two clubs previously met in May where Union Berlin outclassed SC Freiburg with a 4-1 scoreline as Grischa Promel, Christopher Trimmel, Sheraldo Becker, and Andras Schafer all netted for Die Eisernen, whereas Lucas Holer scored the consolation for the hosts.

Betting Tip

The Bundesliga 2022 odds are favouring the hosts for this one, as SC Freiburg are installed at 2.02, while a victory for Union Berlin is priced at 3.65 and chances for a draw are at 3.30 in the 1X2 market.

With so much on the line, this should be a highly entertaining encounter compared to their previous meetings. The winner for this one is tough to call, but we’re sure that we will see some goals at the Europa-Park Stadium.

So Total Goal 2-3 @ 1.90 is your safest bet, while Over 2.50 @ 2.16 is another betting option that you might need to consider.

 

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