Union head to newly-promoted Bochum
Last match in 2021:
1. FC Union Berlin's final league match of the year will be at the Ruhrstadion as we head to newly-promoted VfL Bochum on Saturday.
Review – The last match:
Union's last home game of the year ended in a goalless draw against SC Freiburg. After bouncing back from Sunday's defeat at Greuther Fürth, Union picked up the levels and were the side on top in the second half in Köpenick. Andreas Luthe made a number of important interventions at the restart from Vincenzo Grifo and Lukas Kübler, but Union recovered. A corner kick on the hour mark led to a goalmouth scramble with Timo Baumgartl unable to finish off from close range before Kübler remarkably blocked the ball on the line from Rani Khedira. A draw was a fair result for Union against Christian Streich's side that included two familiar faces in Nico and Keven Schlotterbeck.
Bochum – Opposition Report:
Despite defeat in Bielefeld, Bochum will be delighted with their start to the season following a return to the Bundesliga this summer. Bochum have picked up recent home wins against Freiburg and Hoffenheim, while holding local rivals Borussia Dortmund to a 1-1 draw. Thomas Reis' team won 3-2 at Augsburg a fortnight ago to increase the cushion above the relegation zone to three points. Former 1. FC Union Berlin striker Sebastian Polter has found his feet at Bochum after a year in the Netherlands. The 30-year-old has scored six goals in 15 matches in the Bundesliga.
Bochum – The coach's view:
"They have 20 points from 16 games. You need to praise VfL Bochum. Thomas Reis has found a style of play which suits the players. They've found their face. From the last three games, they've won. They drew 1-1 with Dortmund. It will be a difficult game. We must empty the tank and go to the limit if we are to win," said Urs Fischer at the pre-match press conference.
Personnel:
Laurenz Dehl is still injured but building up again in rehab training. There are no other fitness concerns for Urs Fischer and his staff.
Service:
There will be around 450 fans heading to Bochum on Saturday.