1. FC Union Berlin will meet VfL Bochum on Sunday, 16.04.2023 for their 28th match of the Bundesliga season, and for both clubs it could prove to be decisive. For Union, it's about ensuring European competition, whereas for Bochum it's about staying in the Bundesliga. Kick off at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei is at 17.30

The lie of the land

For third placed Union, the last seven games of the season are all about achieving their self-imposed goal of qualifying for European competition for the third season in a row. With a current ten-point lead over seventh-place Frankfurt, they have already established a fine starting position in the race for Europe.

VfL Bochum, on the other hand, are simply fighting to stay up. Although head coach Thomas Letsch's team have climbed from last to 15th place, having taken seven points from the last four games, they are still a long way from the magic 40-point mark.

The opponents

On paper, Bochum should already be down. With 30 goals scored and 60 conceded, they have the second-worst attackand the worst defense in the league. But what the Ruhrpott club does have, however, are eight victories, three times more than relegation rivals VfB Stuttgart and Hertha BSC and four times more often than bottom-placed Schalke.

Bochum team's style of play can be described in one word: intensity. In terms of the number of headers won (1), tackles (5) and fouls on opponents (3), VfL are in the top five in the league. Similar to Union, Bochum are certainly not afraid to hit the ball high and long to target player Philipp Hofmann and then challenge for knockdowns and  second balls. Wingers Christopher Antwi-Adjei and Takuma Asano are also constantly in action, hitting balls into the box for Hoffmann from the flanks. 

As much as the two teams' playing styles are similar, Union and Bochum's willingness to run differs. Only FC Köln have covered more ground than Union this season, while VfL rank last in the Bundesliga with an average of 112.25 kilometers ran per game.

The head to head

There is a long history between these sides, having played against each other 24 times. Indeed,  Fürth, St. Pauli and Düsseldorf are the only clubs from the former West that Union have played more. Union  have got their noses in front, having won 13 matches, VfL Bochum have won eight, and the points were shared twice.

The reunion

The Eisernen can look forward to the appearance of their on-loan defender Dominique Heintz. Keven Schlotterbeck also returns to his old stomping ground, on loan to Bochum from SC Freiburg.

Last but not least, Marc Lettau looks back on four and a half years at the Alte Försterei. He is currently acting as Bochum's interim sports director. On the other side, Milos Pantovic will meet his former club, against whom he scored the consolation in Union's 2-1 loss back in November.

The personnel

With the exception of András Schäfer, Union head coach Urs Fischer has the entire squad at his disposal.

The coaches' views ahead of the match

"Apart from the most recent game, Bochum have scored regularly, even when playing away from home," said Urs Fischer during his press conference on Friday afternoon. "They have a clear plan and are always quick to switch the play via wingers like Antwi-Adjei or Asano. In addition, Bochum have a clear target man in Philipp Hofmann, who is very dangerous in the box."

VfL coach Thomas Letsch, meanwhile, addressed the fortress that is the Alte Försterei in the build-up to the match: "I expect Union to have more possession in their own stadium. They are in third place and have a great home record. We must not play into their hands."

Service info: To the game by boat

Once again, there will be a rail replacement bus service on the S-Bahn line 3 between Karlshorst and Friedrichshagen. Union will therefore again offer a bus shuttle from the Karlshorst S-Bahn station from 14:30. The buses will also be available after the game from 19:15 and will travel to Karlshorst S-Bahn station. Detailed information can be found here.

A special alternative to the rail replacement service of the S3 is offered by the shipping company Eddyline. The ship Viktoria departs at 12:30 p.m. from the Fennbrücke in Moabit in a relaxed manner in the direction of Köpenick. Tickets are available directly at the Fennbrücke pier.

The game will be broadcast live on DAZN. As usual, Union will also provide information about the match in the club's own live ticker. In addition, there will be an audio stream on rbb24 Inforadio and on rbb24.de.