After last week’s terrific win over Fortuna Düsseldorf, Union Berlin make the convenient trip to Lower Saxony to take on Eintracht Braunschweig on Sunday 18 February at the Eintracht-Stadion.

The 3-1 triumph, which ended Union’s run of seven successive games without a win, has brightened the mood at the Alte Försterei. Coach Andre Hofschneider picked up his first win in the dugout and is expecting an “exciting clash where they will be lots of emotion and a great atmosphere” in Braunschweig. “For the neutral spectators, this is one to be excited about,” he added.

Both Union and Braunschweig were high in the table last season, but have struggled to piece together results with the same consistency. Braunschweig, 12^th in the table, are only three points above a relegation position. Torsten Lieberknecht’s side have managed one win in six games – drawing 0-0 at home to Sandhausen on the previous matchday. Meanwhile, Union sits on 31 points, 10 behind last year’s impressive showing at the same point.

Hofschneider will be forced to deal with a bunch of selection issues for the trip west. Felix Kroos, the team’s important number six, is out due to suspension, while a wave of illnesses have struck down many of the team’s first-team starters. Toni Leistner, Peter Kurzweg and Marcel Hartel returned to training this week, but their status remains open. Christopher Trimmel, Berkan Taz and Dennis Daube remain doubtful, as well.

There is good news for Union Berlin, which perhaps will not come in handy for Sunday’s game. However, Kenny-Prince Redondo and Christoph Schösswendter tied up their laces for the first time in several months and came through an individual training session.

Please note: Advice for travelling fans

There are no longer tickets available in the away block at the Eintracht-Stadion. Union Berlin fans have secured all of the 2,210 tickets and all of those are advised to follow the instructions of the local police. The stadium gates in Braunschweig are open from noon.