Union Berlin is under a lot of pressure in the catch-up game in Mainz. If the danger of relegation is not to increase, losing is forbidden.
With the catch-up game between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and 1. FC Union on Wednesday (6.30 p.m., LIVE! on kicker), the Bundesliga table will be straightened. However, the Berliners could get into serious trouble again if they don’t score points in Mainz.
Union is currently 15th in the table with 17 points. two points ahead of relegation place 16, which 1. FC Köln occupies. Mainz and newly promoted Darmstadt 98 follow six points behind the Iron Men.
The game is of great importance from the Union’s perspective. “Of course it’s a sporting situation that isn’t easy. The pressure has been great in the last few weeks. It won’t be over if we win in Mainz,” said Marie-Louise Eta.
The assistant coach once again represented head coach Nenad Bjelica at the press conference on Tuesday, even though he was only suspended for the match day by the DFB after missing the game at FC Bayern Munich (0-1). In Mainz, Bjelica has to watch from the stands for the third and final time. The starting lineup will definitely change compared to the 0-2 defeat at RB Leipzig.
Christopher Trimmel and Lucas Tousart are missing. Captain Trimmel was banned for two games by the DFB after his expulsion in Leipzig. Midfielder Tousart did not travel to Mainz on Tuesday because the Frenchman’s partner gave birth to their child. Trimmel’s loss is doubly serious because Josip Juranovic, who has been out injured for a few weeks, also has to miss the second nominal right full-back.
That’s why Union only has to improvise. Andras Schäfer, Alex Kral or Paul Jaeckel might be considered for this position. Jerome Roussillon or Robin Gosens could of course help out on the unfamiliar right side. But Roussillon was last hit. The Iron could also switch to a defensive back four or a very offensive variant.
Union has been waiting for a goal away from home for six away games
Like Kral, goalkeeper Frederik Rönnow and defender Diogo Leite also return to the squad. The trio was absent from Leipzig due to an infection. Despite his strong Union debut in the trade fair city, Alexander Schwolow will probably have to give up his place for Rönnow again.
Since six-man Rani Khedira and offensive man Kevin Volland could also play from the start, unlike Leipzig, there may be a number of changes to the Köpenick team. Whoever plays will have to overcome the stigma of being the worst away team in the league. The FCU has only got four points away from home. There hasn’t been a single goal away from home in six games.
2024-02-06 16:45:17
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