Both teams are positioned around mid-table although positions that can take them to first division are quite far, while those that lead to the third-division are closer. It is especially true for Union Berlin, which has two points fewer than Arminia. The difference was created recently as the team from Berlin plays very inefficiently. It didn’t win in last seven matches, while Arminia won away in previous round. Their first duel of the season played in Berlin had ended as draw 1-1.
After two defeats at the end of first part of season Arminia had opened the second with a goalless draw at home with Furth. Because of that it was not expected to do something against Bochum away in previous round. However, Arminia managed to win by 1-0 thanks to Hertherz goal from free kick scored around middle of second halftime. It was welcomed victory as it put an end to three-game winless streak, while three new points help to maintain distance from the drop zone.
It should be said that Arminia had full dominance on the pitch against Furth, however, it scored no goals. In Bochum Arminia’s defence was up to task and one goal was enough for victory. Midfielder Prietl couldn’t play then due to accumulated yellow cards and Staude was the one who played instead of him, however, he performed badly and Prietl return is imminent.
Probable lineups Arminia Bielefeld: Ortega – Dick, Borner, Behrendt, Hartherz – Prietl, Schutz – Weihrauch, Kerschbaumer – Klos, Woglsammer
At one point this season Union Berlin was very close to leading teams and it seemed that can join the race for promotion to the Bundesliga as it reached the third place after six-game unbeaten streak. However, from that moment Union Berlin felt apart given series of seven matches without victory, which is still on going. They lost even five times in the period and drew just two, one with very strong Kiel two rounds ago.
They were trailing behind for two gaols but they managed to equalise the result. It seemed that the result can help them overcome psychological crisis, however, in previous round they faced another strong team, Nurnberg, and lost at home by 1-0. The only goal was scored early in the match, while later on two Union Berlin players were sent off. The two suspended players will weaken them in this match too. Coach Hofschneider was forced to make one change after drew in Kiel and scorer of one of the goals Skrzybski paused due to injury, and instead of him Gogia got chance. Now, Leistner and Hosiner cannot play as they are suspended.
Probable lineups Union Berlin: Mesenholer – Trimmel, Torrejon, Parensen, Pedersen – Promel – Hartel, F. Kroos, Hedlund, Gogia – Polter
Arminia is in much better shape which they proofed with victory in previous round, and they played better than Union Berlin even before that, which is in deep crisis and can hardly do anything more than drew in Bielefeld.
Pick: Asian handicap
-0.25 Arminia 2.19 - 190/100 @1XBet