Union host Fortuna Düsseldorf on final day
Match Preview:
1. FC Union Berlin's first-ever Bundesliga season will conclude at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei on Saturday at 15:30 against third-from-bottom Fortuna Düsseldorf.
Review
After securing Bundesliga survival at home to Paderborn in midweek, Saturday's clash in Hoffenheim tested the energy levels of Urs Fischer's team. On-loan goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas made his Bundesliga debut for Union in Sinsheim but was dealt a difficult hand as Hoffenheim pushed for a place in the Europa League. Ihlas Bebou, Andrej Kramaric and Manus Dabbur fired the hosts into a three-goal lead before the break to put the contest beyond doubt. Christoph Baumgartner netted after 68 minutes to round off the scoring. There was a small piece of good news as Suleiman Abdullahi returned from injury to make his first Bundesliga appearance for the club.
Meanwhile, the stakes are high for Uwe Rösler and Fortuna Düsseldorf who currently sit in the Relegation play-off position. Two points separate Fortuna and Werder Bremen – a defeat at the Alte Försterei and a win for Werder would see Düsseldorf relegated automatically to the 2.Bundesliga. In their final home match of the season, Rouwen Hennings' goal claimed a share of the spoils against FC Augsburg. Florian Niederlechner put Augsburg ahead and secured Heiko Herrlich's side a place in the top flight next season.
Record
From 27 meetings between Union and Fortuna Düsseldorf, the clubs have an even history. Union have won 11 times, to Fortuna's 11 with five draws overall. The reverse fixture was a frustrating 2-1 win for Fortuna before the start of the winter break. Michael Parensen scored his first Bundesliga goal for Union, but the home side won the game through a late strike from Erik Thommy. Former Union striker Steven Skrzybski hit a double in February 2018 against Düsseldorf to help secure a 3-1 win at the Alte Försterei.
Personnel
Top scorer Sebastian Andersson will sit out the final game of the Bundesliga campaign after reaching the suspension threshold last week. Julian Ryerson and Moritz Nicolas are ruled out due to injury, while Florian Hübner, Christopher Lenz, Marcus Ingvartsen, Sheraldo Becker and Akaki Gogia are doubtful. Fischer announced at the press conference that he'll make a decision on either Rafal Gikiewicz or Jakub Busk to start on Saturday after tomorrow's final training session.
Service
Saturday's match is behind closed doors.
The game will be lived on Sky Sports in Germany, BT Sport in the United Kingdom and Fox Soccer in the United States.