As part of Union's winter training plans, they will play their second friendly match on Saturday, 17.12.2022, against the Swiss Super League club FC St. Gallen 1897. Kick off at the Alte Försterei is at 14:30.

The opponents

The club from the canton of the same name in the region of eastern Switzerland was founded on 19.04.1879, making them the oldest football club still in existence in Switzerland, and on the European mainland. Although they now play at Kybunpark, the nickname "Espen" is still used for St. Gallen by the general public and their fans, based on the name of the former Espenmoos stadium.

In pure footballing terms, things have improved recently for FCSG, their two brief excursions into the second division in the 2008/09 and 2011/12 seasons having been quickly put behind them. In what is now their fifth year under head coach Peter Zeidler, they have been on a constant upwards trajectory, moving from 7th place to finish 5th and then 3rd in the top flight last season.

They are currently third place in the table after 16 matches, on 24 points but are already facing an imposing eleven-point gap to leaders BSC Young Boys. Nevertheless, the Green-Whites managed to inflict the only defeat of the season so far on the league leaders, beating the 2-1 at home in September. They've two wins, two draws and one defeat from their last five matches.

Two players in particular have been worth keeping an eye on this season. Midfielder Lukas Görtler has scored five, while centre-forward Emmanuel Latte Lath has scored eight this season.  

The reunion

Union head coach Urs Fischer was a FCSG player from 1987 to 1995 and made a total of 261 appearances, scoring ten goals as a defender. They were the only club he ever represented as a player during his long career apart from that of his home town, FC Zurich. 

Service information

The stadium An der Alten Försterei will open its gates for fans and spectators at 13:30 on match day, with tickets on sale for both the home and the away blocks at all Union ticket offices. Children up to the age of 12 are admitted free of charge, but require a free ticket for entry. Those who need tickets at short notice on match day can purchase them on the door at a price of €12 (standing) or €17 (seated).

As usual, Union will also provide information on the club's own live ticker from the match as well as in English on Twitter.