Bundesliga: Will Union Berlin Add to Hoffenheim’s Troubles?

Union Berlin vs TSG Hoffenheim

Two mid-table clubs will look to improve their Bundesliga positions on Saturday as Union Berlin welcome TSG Hoffenheim at home.

Die Eisernen, unbeaten in their first three matches so far, held a strong Leipzig side to a goalless affair last time out despite the latter’s good form to start the year. Meanwhile, Hoffenheim suffered back-to-back heavy losses in the hands of Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt, losing 3-1 and 1-4, respectively.

The hosts’ only win of the year came against a lowly St. Pauli side (1-0), thanks to Benedict Hollerbach’s 34^th-minute strike from outside the box—a win that momentarily put them on top of the league.

For the visitors, defence has been the issue lately, after already conceding nine goals in just three matches played. But despite their backline—which has been shaky to say the least—they have scored in all of their competitive matches played this season, with Andrej Kramaric leading from the front.

These two may not be the flashiest of clubs in the German top flight, but rest assured that this match will deliver action and excitement to every SBOTOP football fan out there.

Talking Points

Things are looking quite alright at the capital

Union Berlin were able to stay in the Bundesliga by the smallest of margins after finishing 16^th ahead of VfL Bochum (on goal difference), hence avoiding a play-off scenario.

All thanks to a late winner against Freiburg, a promising season that saw them play in the Champions League for the first time in history turned to a nightmare, culminating with the sacking of their beloved manager in Urs Fischer—the man who brought them to the highest of highs for three seasons. But all’s well that ends well, and Die Eisernen survived.

Now facing a new season with a new manager, Union Berlin are making a point that they deserve to be back in the top 10, where they have been in three of the past four seasons.

Union salvaged a hard-fought draw against Mainz in the season opener, thanks to Laszlo Benes’ searing goal to beat the keeper.

The win against St. Pauli gave them a taste of being league leaders. It also improved their record of never losing a Bundesliga match after leading at the break.

Then over to Leipzig—who were on a high after ending Leverkusen’s streak—where the visiting Union kept things cool and steady despite the pressure from the hosts. Leipzig thought they were going ahead after an awarded penalty, but Frederik Ronnow said no and denied Lois Openda’s shot as Union took home a well-deserved point.

Kramaric can’t do it all alone

Andrej Kramaric has been with Die Kraichgauer for a decade now. He has contributed 135 goals and 56 assists in more than 280 games played and counting.

As of writing, the 33-year-old attacking midfielder is leading the Torjagerkanone race, with four goals to his name (tied with Bayern’s Harry Kane), thanks to his hat-trick against Holstein Kiel in their opening match.

He’s also scored in their defeat to Frankfurt and has already tallied an assist so far. Yet, Hoffenheim are down in 14^th place, with only Kiel conceding more goals than them.

Last time out, Hoffenheim supporters held their collective breaths when Kramaric picked up a knock against Leverkusen, with the veteran subbed out in the 87^th minute.

But according to Bundesliga 2024 news, nothing serious happened and he’ll most definitely feature in the next match. With that said, if Hoffenheim do not want to be in any more trouble than they already are, then they must aid their star player.

History

Union and Hoffenheim have met in the Bundesliga 10 times since 2019, and both of them have an even-keeled record of four wins apiece and two draws.

They’ve split their last four meetings in the league, with a clean sheet kept by the winner in both wins last season.

Betting Tip

The Bundesliga 2024 odds have Union as the slight favourites at 2.13, whilst Hoffenheim are priced at 3.10.

Their last fixtures with each other have been back-and-forth, and odds are it’d be the same in their weekend clash.

As what’s evident so far, Union are more stable at the back but aren’t enough of a goal threat, registering 27 shots in three games (18^th in the league) as compared to Hoffenheim’s 40 shots (seventh in the league).

But if the visitors will have their shooting boots on, then an Asian Handicap (Hoffenheim) of +0.25 (2.11) is a good alternative bet to begin with.

 

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