Union Berlin vs Stuttgart
Bundesliga
Saturday
21st October 2023
An der Alten Forsterei
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Bundesliga gameweek 8 fixture between Union Berlin and Stuttgart.
Union Berlin vs Stuttgart: Preview
Union Berlin form analysis
Die Eisernen have hit a concerning run of poor form in recent Bundesliga matches. After an excellent start to the season, Union were comfortably beaten 0-3 at home by RB Leipzig to start this tough stretch. They struggled to create chances and looked defensively vulnerable against Leipzig’s speed. A week later, Union lost again 1-2 away at Wolfsburg, despite Robin Gosens temporarily equalizing. The defeat highlighted continued issues at the back.
Things failed to improve as Union suffered a third successive league loss against Hoffenheim, going down 0-2 after a penalty and failing to register a shot on target. The lack of attacking threat was worrying. A 1-0 loss to Heidenheim continued the losing run. Most recently, Union lost a high-scoring affair 2-4 away at Borussia Dortmund. Despite Gosens scoring again, Union’s defending remains a big concern.
In summary, Union have badly lost their solidity during this poor run. The defense that was so robust last season looks fragile, while injuries have limited their attacking potency. Manager Urs Fischer needs to stabilize the backline and rediscover the team’s organization and work ethic. With Sheraldo Becker not performing, Union must find more creativity. The poor form needs arresting quickly before a European spot comes under threat.
Stuttgart form analysis
Stuttgart started this period in excellent fashion, demolishing Freiburg 5-0 at home. Striker Serhou Guirassy grabbed a brace in the rout. They built on that performance by winning away at Mainz 1-3, with Guirassy again scoring a hat-trick to single-handedly dominate.
After beating Darmstadt 3-1 thanks to goals from Millot and Guirassy (2), Stuttgart continued their strong run with a 0-2 away win against Cologne. Belgian forward David Undav scored both goals in his first starts.
Most recently, Stuttgart beat Wolfsburg 3-1 at home to make it four straight Bundesliga wins. Guirassy was again the hero with two penalties and his third brace in four games.
Overall, Stuttgart’s form has been transformed thanks largely to the goalscoring exploits of new signing Guirassy. The French forward has scored 8 goals in his last 4 league appearances, terrorizing defenses. If Guirassy can maintain this form, Stuttgart have a great chance of challenging for a European place after last season’s relegation battle.
