Freiburg vs Union Berlin
German Bundesliga
Saturday
13th January 2024
Europa-Park Stadion
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the German Bundesliga fixture between SC Freiburg and 1. FC Union Berlin.
Freiburg vs Union Berlin: Preview
Freiburg form analysis
SC Freiburg had shown strong early season form but have struggled for consistency over their past five Bundesliga matches. On 25th November they were held at home by Darmstadt in a 1-1 draw, leveling through Höler after going behind to Honsak. Things improved on 3rd December with a hard fought 0-1 away win at Mainz earned thanks to Gregoritsch’s second half strike. Freiburg returned to winning ways on 9th December with another 0-1 away victory at Wolfsburg courtesy of another Gregoritsch goal.
Their form remained positive on 17th December by beating FC Köln 2-0 at home, with Gregoritsch again on target before Sallai added a late second. However, worrying signs crept back in during a 2-3 home loss to Heidenheim on 21st December, twice taking the lead through Höler before a late Kleindienst leveler forced extra time where an unfortunate own goal from Ginter sealed a shock exit. Overall, Freiburg’s concerning loss shows defensive issues remain and addressing these over the break will be crucial if they want to sustain a top four push.
Union Berlin form analysis
Union Berlin have shown inconsistent form over their past five Bundesliga matches. On 12th November, they were thoroughly outclassed in a chastening 0-4 away thrashing by Bayer Leverkusen. Things improved slightly on 25th November as they salvaged a 1-1 home draw with Augsburg. Thanks to Volland’s late equalizer after going behind to a Demirović penalty. Union returned to winning ways on 9th December by beating Borussia M’gladbach 3-1 at home through Volland’s penalty and goals from Hollerbach and Kaufmann either side of Pléa briefly pulling one back.
However, disappointing results swiftly returned during a 3-0 thrashing away at Bochum on 16th December, unable to handle the hosts’ ruthlessness. Union stopped the rot on 20th December by beating FC Köln 2-0 at home thanks to second half goals from Hollerbach and substitute Fofana. Overall, Union must address defensive issues that have seen them concede 11 times during this spell. If they want to sustain a push for European qualification over the second half of the season.
