Union Berlin will close the curtain on 2017 this Friday (18:30) when Ingolstadt arrive at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.

Andre Hofschneider will be out for a repeat of the previous meeting this season, which went in favour of the Köpenick club with Christopher Trimmel scoring the winner.

Much has changed at the Alte Försterei since then, with a new coach in place and new impetus around the squad. However, results have been hard to come by, with Union last winning on November 4 against St Pauli. Last week’s defeat to Dynamo Dresden, and former coach Uwe Neuhaus, was a particularly sore one. “No-one likes to lose an east derby. We can’t be satisfied with the last few games,” stressed Hofschneider at the pre-match press conference.

When asked about the state of mind of his players, Hofschneider explained how confidence comes from the small experiences. “Self-confidence is also something for bad phases. If I have won five times in a row, then talking about self-confidence is pointless. I’ve got a run, so I don't need to think about it. You gain self-confidence for a period like this, which we are now in. We have to show them now: Okay, what's it worth? Which fundamentals can I rely on now?”

Nothing has changed on the injury front for Hofschneider since last weekend. Michael Parensen, Kenny Redondo and Fabian Schönheim remain long-term absentees from the squad. The upcoming winter break will be a welcomed opportunity for the aforementioned three to prepare a return to training.

Aside from a loss to Eintracht Braunschweig, Ingolstadt have developed into the league’s form team since the beginning of the season. Stefan Leitl’s side have gone down to defeat just twice in 12 matches and have creeped up the table to become genuine promotion contenders.

There are still tickets remaining in the standing sections for Union supporters. The box offices will be open at the home and away sides on matchday for those looking to purchase tickets.