• Competition: Bundesliga
• Date: Saturday, 21st September, 2024
• Kickoff: 14:30 UK / 15:30 CEST
• Venue: Stadion An der Alten F?rsterei (Berlin)

Union Berlin came to this season after an atrocious one last year, when they finished 15th with just 33 points in 34 rounds. They avoided the relegation playout only due to a better goal difference. However, we believe they are capable of much more. Now, with the new coach, Bo Svensson, the goal of "The Iron Ones" will definitely be to reach Europe again. This season started fairly well for Union Berlin, winning five points in the first three rounds while also winning the DFB Pokal 1/32 Finals against Greifswald.

Hoffenheim were mostly a mid-table team in the previous several years. Last year, they did well, finishing 7th and reaching the Europa League for the first time since the 2020/21 season. However, this season, Hoffenheim haven't started well, as they won just three points in three rounds and barely won the DFB Pokal 1/32 Finals against a Regionalliga team, Wurzburger Kickers. Even though they improved the team a bit over the Summer, it will be interesting to see whether they can play on multiple fronts.

Union Berlin vs Hoffenheim pick: Union Berlin to win

Union Berlin are undefeated this season. To be fair, they weren't too impressive offensively. But on the other hand, their defense was incredible, allowing just one goal in three Bundesliga games and one Cup game. For now, the Iron Ones hold the best defensive record in Bundesliga. If we take into consideration that they played three of four games away from home, that defensive record looks even better.

Hoffenheim won just one game this season, at least in the regular time. That win was in the first Bundesliga game against newly promoted Holstein Kiel (3:2), where Kiel definitly had chances to secure a draw. After that initial win, they lost two in a row and were totally outplayed by Eintracht and Bayer, allowing seven goals in total.

Also, Hoffenheim disapoint us in the Cup. They won (3:2) againt Wurzburg Kickers (Regionalliga team) after the penalty shootout but it was definitly far from an impressive performance.

Considering what we have seen from these teams so far, along with the home pitch advantage, we believe that Union Berlin are much closer to winning the upcoming Bundesliga match.