Union Berlin vs Freiburg prediction: GERMANY: Bundesliga betting tips on match 2024-05-17 13:30.
[p]After leading 2-0 against Cologne inside 20 minutes, Bundesliga safety was in Union Berlin’s sights, yet Die Eisernen eventually collapsed to a last-gasp 3-2 defeat. To make matters worse, Mainz then beat Borussia Dortmund 3-0 to push Union into the relegation play-off spot with just one match to go, while automatic relegation on the final day isn’t out of the question either should they lose in the capital.[/p]
[p]That’s quite the change from 12 months ago when Union were celebrating qualifying for the UEFA Champions League! The home faithful at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei will therefore be desperate for their side to end a miserable seven-match winless run in the Bundesliga (D2, L5), but to do that, they’ll need to shore up a defence that’s conceded 3+ goals in three of their last four league matches.[/p]
[p]This clash has ramifications at both ends of the table, as visiting Freiburg also need to win to keep alive their chances of definitely qualifying for European football again next season. The away side begin the last matchday sat in eighth and just one point adrift of Hoffenheim in the battle for the Bundesliga’s UEFA Europa Conference League place, though with a substantially inferior goal difference, only a victory is likely to suffice. Eighth place could yet be enough for a European berth though if Bayer Leverkusen win the DFB-Pokal. [/p]
[p]Freiburg will additionally be desperate to finish legendary manager Christian Streich’s spell with the club on a high as he takes charge of his 489th and final match as boss. His H2H record against Union whilst in charge leaves a lot to be desired (W3, D3, L6), so instead he’ll hope that his side can take inspiration from a four-match unbeaten run on the road (W3, D1), with the last three games in that sequence accompanied by clean sheets. [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Union’s Kevin Volland netted just his third Bundesliga goal of the season last time out, but his return of seven goals across 13 prior H2Hs makes him a danger man in this one. Freiburg’s Vincenzo Grifo also holds a strong record in this fixture, recording 13 direct goal contributions across 15 H2Hs (G5, A8)! [/p]
[p]Hot stat: No side has averaged fewer corners per Bundesliga match than Freiburg this season (3.61). [/p]