1. FC Union Berlin and Hertha will play for the third time this season with the final bragging rights of the season up for grabs.
Review — The last match:
Taiwo Awoniyi's 17th Bundesliga goal for 1. FC Union Berlin secured three vital points at home to 1. FC Köln on April 1. The home win – for the first time in front of a full house without restrictions – saw Urs Fischer's men go to 41 points and achieve the minimum season target for the campaign. The atmosphere at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei returned to normal levels and it helped push the team on against a strong, physical opponent under the management of former Union striker Steffen Baumgart. Taiwo Awoniyi nearly broke through after two minutes but goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe was quick to rescue his defence. Both teams snuffed out counter-attacking situations, with just Mark Uth and Jonas Hector forcing Frederik Rönnow into action. Grischa Prömel passed up two chances towards the end of the half while Rani Khedira shot wide. In the end, Hector's loose backpass set up the chance for Awoniyi to score straight after the restart and secure all three points for the Köpenick club.
Hertha — Opposition Report:
Under Felix Magath and temporarily Mark Fotheringham, Hertha Berlin are fighting to stay in the league. A win over Hoffenheim set the Old Lady on their way under new management, but Hertha were brought back down to earth last week, losing in Leverkusen. Victory for Augsburg in midweek has put the Berliners under some pressure to get results and keep their hopes of staying in the Bundesliga alive – Hertha are level on 16 points with Arminia Bielefeld who occupy the relegation play-off position with six matches to spare.
Hertha — The coach's view:
Urs Fischer at the pre-match press conference said: "Derbies are special matches. It brings lot of emotions for the fans. In the end, the final result is very important. Not sure if I have ever experienced three derbies, with three victories before. You would need to look way back. To play in a full Olympic Stadium is a new experience for me, and some of the players. We are looking forward to having 12,000 fans there. This is what we work for."
Personnel:
Paul Jaeckel is suspended after a fifth yellow card against 1. FC Köln. Andreas Luthe has been sick, but has taken part in a light training session. Anthony Ujah, Timo Baumgartl and Suleiman Abdullahi had one or two issues but will be available for selection on Saturday.
Service:
1. FC Union will be supported with 12,000 away fans, with the whole allocation for the club sold out at the Olympic Stadium. We want to give the team maximum backing, both visually and in noise – a reminder to bring an extra tenner with you for a special choreo item.
Arrival with S-Bahn is recommended for all Union fans.
Wearing Union colours/clothes in the home end is not permitted.
