Match Preview: Borussia Mönchengladbach vs 1. FC Union Berlin

What we know

Borussia Mönchengladbach is currently sitting in 12th place with 22 points and a goal difference of -9. Their recent form shows mixed results, with a 5-1 win against Hoffenheim, but also a heavy 0-3 defeat to Stuttgart in their last five matches. On the other hand, 1. FC Union Berlin is in 9th place with 25 points and a goal difference of -8. They have also struggled recently, with a win against Hoffenheim but suffering a 0-3 loss against Dortmund.

Availability

Both teams have no reported injuries or suspensions affecting their squads for this match. Predicted lineups suggest that both managers will have considerable options to choose from.

Borussia Mönchengladbach Predicted Lineup:

• Goalkeepers: Tobias Sippel, Moritz Nicolas, Jan Jakob Olschowsky
• Defenders: Kevin Diks, Kota Takai, Fabio Chiarodia, Lukas Ullrich
• Midfielders: Hugo Bolin, Niklas Swider, Fritz Fleck, Wael Mohya, Jens Castrop, Rocco Reitz
• Forwards: Shuto Machino, Haris Tabaković, Jan Urbich, Alejo Sarco

1. FC Union Berlin Predicted Lineup:

• Goalkeepers: Frederik Rønnow, Carl Klaus, Matheo Raab
• Defenders: Derrick Köhn, Leopold Querfeld, Andrik Markgraf, Stanley N'Soki, Danilho Doekhi, Tom Rothe
• Midfielders: Tim Skarke, David Preu, Aljoscha Kemlein, Jeong Wooyeong, András Schafer
• Forwards: Livan Burcu, Ilyas Ansah, Dmytro Bohdanov, Andrej Ilic

Tactical note

Mönchengladbach will likely attempt to control possession, particularly at home, while Union Berlin may look to exploit counter-attacks and set pieces given their strengths in pragmatism.

What to watch

Watch the individual battles in midfield, where Mönchengladbach’s creativity will meet Union Berlin's discipline. Additionally, the historical context shows Mönchengladbach's struggles against Union, with the latter holding a commanding head-to-head record.