TSG Hoffenheim vs Union Berlin

The stakes are at the ultimate high for TSG Hoffenheim and Union Berlin as the two sides meet at the PreZero Arena in the penultimate Bundesliga round.

Despite a 2-1 loss at Wolfsburg last time out, Hoffenheim’s hopes of avoiding relegation are still safe and sound as they start this round two points clear of 16th-placed Schalke 04. However, Pellegrino Matarazzo’s men must hit some late form to avoid further scares after succumbing to three defeats in their last four Bundesliga outings (W1). Playing at the PreZero Arena could come in handy, considering ‘Die Kraichgauer’ have tallied three victories in four home league games in the build-up to this clash, most recently overcoming Eintracht Frankfurt 3-1. On the downside, they are winless in their last five league meetings with Union Berlin (D2, L3), including a thumping 3-1 defeat in the reverse fixture.

Meanwhile, Union Berlin’s quest to secure a first-ever Champions League qualification is still under threat as they come into proceedings level on points with fifth-placed Freiburg. But with a game in hand, Urs Fischer’s men are in firm control of their fate, though an indifferent three-game form in the Bundesliga (W1, D1, L1) casts some doubt on their lofty ambitions. Adding to the skepticism, the visitors have lost three of their last five away league fixtures (W1, D1), netting a mere average of 0.6 goals per match. Prolificacy in the latter stages of play has been a genuine issue for Union Berlin, as they’ve failed to score beyond the 60th minute in any of their last nine away games in all competitions (W2, D2, L5).