Union Berlin vs Cologne predictions for Wednesday’s German Bundesliga fixture. Two teams who have had a complicated season go head to head in this midweek Bundesliga affair at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. Who will come up on top? Read on for our free predictions and betting tips.
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Match Live Wednesday, 20th December at 5:30 pm In:
Union Berlin vs Cologne Predictions
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Cologne vs Union Berlin – A Battle for Survival
Key Stats
– Union Berlin has failed to score in 5 of their last 7 league games.
– Both teams have combined for only 25 goals in 29 Bundesliga games this season.
The upcoming Bundesliga clash between Cologne and Union Berlin is shaping up to be a critical encounter in the relegation battle. Both teams have struggled this season, with Cologne’s offensive drought and Union Berlin’s inconsistent form highlighting their challenges.
Our Suggested Best Value Bet For This Match
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Best Value Bet Rationale
Volland’s season, as per his average BettingTips4You rating of 6.68, has been a mixed bag. However, delving deeper into his recent performances reveals an uptick in form, notably against Borussia M’gladbach and VfL Bochum 1848, where he scored ratings of 7.2 and 6.3, respectively. While his total playing time averages around 45 minutes per game, indicating a role as a super-sub, his impact when on the pitch is undeniable. He has netted two goals this season from a relatively limited number of shots, underlining his efficiency in front of the goal.
Analysing the context of the match, both Cologne and Union Berlin are experiencing an offensive drought, with Cologne’s last six games featuring under 2.5 goals and Union Berlin failing to score in five of their last seven league games. In such a scenario, a player like Volland, known for seizing opportunities in tight games, becomes an even more attractive proposition for the first goalscorer bet. His ability to find the net from limited chances aligns well with a game expected to be low on scoring opportunities.
Moreover, his expected goals (xG) of 1.59, coupled with a goal conversion rate of 20%, further bolsters the argument. Given Cologne’s defensive solidity and Union Berlin’s scoring woes, a moment of brilliance from a player like Volland could very well break the deadlock. His recent form, combined with his knack for being in the right place at the right time, makes him a compelling choice for the first goalscorer in a match where goals are expected to be at a premium.
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Team Overviews
Cologne – The Struggle for Goals
Cologne’s season has been marred by a lack of goals, making them one of the least productive teams in the league. Their struggle to find the net has seen them languish near the relegation zone. The reliance on players like Davie Selke and Florian Kainz for goals has not yielded the desired results, as reflected in their poor scoring record.
Union Berlin – A Fall from Grace
After a historic qualification for the Champions League, Union Berlin’s current season is a stark contrast. Their inability to replicate last season’s form has seen them drop perilously close to the relegation zone. The team’s defensive lapses and inability to maintain consistency have been their downfall.
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Tactical Analysis
Cologne’s Defensive Approach
Cologne’s approach is likely to be defensively oriented, focusing on maintaining shape and frustrating Union Berlin’s attackers. Their recent matches have shown a tendency to keep games low-scoring, a strategy they are expected to continue.
Union Berlin’s Offensive Woes
Union Berlin, despite their attacking intent, has struggled to convert chances into goals. Their attacking players, such as Kevin Behrens and Robin Gosens, have not consistently delivered, contributing to the team’s inability to score in five of their last seven league games.
Key Players and Duels
Cologne’s Key Players
- Marvin Schwäbe: His goalkeeping skills will be crucial in keeping Union Berlin at bay.
- Julian Chabot: A defender whose presence could thwart Union Berlin’s attacking efforts.
Union Berlin’s Key Players
- Miloš Pantović: His midfield prowess can be the catalyst for Union Berlin’s attacks.
- Robin Gosens: A defender with a knack for scoring, crucial in set-piece situations.
Key Duels
- The midfield battle between Cologne’s defensive midfielders and Union Berlin’s creative forces like Pantović will be crucial.
- The aerial duel between Cologne’s defenders and Union Berlin’s attackers, especially on set pieces, could decide the game’s outcome.
Game Dynamics and Improvements
Cologne’s Improvement Areas
- Offensively, Cologne needs to find ways to create more scoring opportunities.
- More involvement from midfielders in the attack could provide the necessary boost.
Union Berlin’s Improvement Areas
- Consistency in both defence and attack is needed.
- Better finishing from the forwards can turn the tide in their favour.
Managers’ Tactics
- Cologne’s Steffen Baumgart should focus on creating more offensive plays without compromising the defence.
- Union Berlin’s Nenad Bjelica needs to address the team’s inability to score and shore up the defence.
Conclusion: A Tight Affair with Much at Stake
This match promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams desperate for points. The tactical battle between the two sides, coupled with their current form, suggests a draw is the most likely outcome. Fans can expect a match where every chance could be crucial, and both teams will be wary of giving away any advantage.
Predictions
- Match Outcome: Draw
- Given both teams’ struggles and defensive approaches, a draw seems a likely outcome.
- Correct Score: 1-1 Draw
- A low-scoring affair, reflecting both teams’ offensive challenges and defensive tactics.
- Goalscorer Prediction: Robin Gosens (Union Berlin)
- His ability to score, especially in set-piece situations, makes him a likely candidate.
- Corner Prediction: Union Berlin to have more corners
- Expected to have more of the attacking play, thus winning more corners.
- Total Corners Prediction: Under 10 corners for the entire match.
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