FC Union Berlin vs 1899 Hoffenheim Prediction: Union Berlin are reborn

Union Berlin welcome Hoffenheim to the An der Alten Forsterei for fixture 16 of the Bundesliga. Union Berlin were able to get some time to practice with friendly matches during the world cup. Prior to the world cup, they were without a win in the last 3 Bundesliga matches. They went on to record 4 wins in all 4 friendly matches. Hoffenheim also participated in several friendly matches during the World cup in Qatar. They had 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss in that time. How will these teams respond in the Bundesliga restart?

With the world cup now over and the Bundesliga back, Union Berlin are faced with the task of changing their fortunes. They didn't register a win in all 3 final games before the world cup in Qatar. 

Union Berlin are currently in 5th place 27 points in 15 matches. They have 8 wins, 3 draws and losses with a goal ratio of 24:20. 

At home they have 17 points in 7 games after 5 wins, 2 draws and 0 loses. 

Union Berlin were in a disaster before the world cup, in the space of 3 games they conceded 11 goals. 

Union Berlin have 5 wins in their last 5 matches. They are without clean sheet in their last 4 games and have seen more than 2.5 goals in ⅞ matches. In 6/7 matches, both teams have scored and they are first to score in 5/5 matches. In 6/6 matches, less than 4.5 cards have been shown and in ⅚ less than 10.5 corners have been played. 

1899 Hoffenheim had a miserable spell in the last 5 matches leading to the world cup in Qatar. In those matches, they lost 4 and got a draw. But then they had the opportunity to experiment and try a new approach in a few friendly matches and they picked up two wins in the first two friendlies. In all they had 3 wins, 2 draws and a loss. 

Hoffenheim are in 11th place on the table with 18 points after 15 games. They have 5 wins, 3 draws and 7 losses with a goal ratio of 22:22. Away from home, they picked up 8 points in 7 matches from 2 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses. 

Currently Hoffenheim are without a clean sheet in 12 matches and have seen more than 2.5 goals in 9/9 matches. They have also seen both teams score in 10/10 matches and are first to score in 5/7 matches. In 8/8 matches, less than 4.5 cards have been shown and in ⅘ matches, less than 10.5 corners have been shown.

Union Berlin and 1899 Hoffenheim have met only 6 times throughout their history. Both teams have 2 wins each and then 2 matches ended in a draw. Union Berlin won the latest fixture 2-1.

In the head to head battle Union Berlin has no losses in 4 matches and also without a clean sheet in 6 matches. Hoffenheim is also without a clean sheet in 4 matches. In ⅘ matches both teams have scored each other and registered more than 2.5 goals. In 5/5 matches, less than 4.5 cards have been shown and in ⅚ matches, less than 10.5 corners have been played.

First, let's keep the friendly matches out of the picture. Whilst it is a new way for managers to try out new systems and give other players a run out, I don't think either of these sides will improve their position drastically. Judging by head to head, these two promises an entertaining match with at least a goal from both teams. Also card stats seems to be a steady bet for this fixture. 

• Bet on Under 11 Corners at 1.64 Odds
• Bet on Both Teams to Score at 1.76 Odd
• Bet on Over 2.5 Goals at 2 Odds