01 December 2021, 16:42 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
1. FC Union Berlin vs. RB Leipzig kicks off at 20:30 (GMT+1) on Friday, December 3, at Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
Preview 1. FC Union Berlin Bundesliga, Dec 3, 2021
Preview Union Berlin were unable to replicate their famous victory at the Berlin Derby two Saturdays ago, having been defeated by Frankfurt, 2-1, at the Deutsche Bank Park on Sunday. Frankfurt's Djibril Sow’s 22nd-minute long-range strike, his first goal in almost two years, separated both sides midway through the first half. Three minutes later, Frankfurt almost extended their lead, but Kamada’s header crashed off the cross-bar. However, Max Kruse (62' P.) would restore parity after the Nigerian, Taiwo Awoniyi, was brought down in the box. But a late goal from N'dicka (90'+5), who got on the end of an inch-perfect cross from Filip Kostić, left Union with their second defeat in five games: DLDWL. The loss saw Union drop one spot down the table, from 5th to 6th place, having picked up 20 points after 5W, 5D, and 3L. Union Berlin has a goal ratio of 1.54 g.p.g. this season, having scored 20 goals in 13 Bundesliga games. They have also conceded 19 goals and have a G.D. of +1. An average of 1.46 goals conceded per game. Onlookers saw a 3—5—2 formation with Max Kruse and the Nigeria international, Taiwo Awoniyi, in attack. Urs Fischer is expected to stick with the same formation and attacking duo for this game against Leipzig. Kevin Behrens (COVID-19) remains in doubt for this fixture.
Preview RB Leipzig Bundesliga, Dec 3, 2021
Preview RB Leipzig picked up a 3-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen last weekend at the Red Bull Arena. Diaby thought he had put Leverkusen in front, but the VAR chalked off his effort for offside. Later, Leverkusen would take the lead through Florian Wirtz (21'). Minutes later, Diaby (34') would get his goal, having been denied earlier, leaving Leverkusen with a two-goal lead at the break. Minutes after the interval, October Player of the Month, Nkunku, assisted Andre Silva (62') as Leipzig cut the goal deficit down to one. However, two minutes later, Frimpong (64') restored Leverkusen’s two-goal lead. Dominik Szoboszlai had the opportunity to narrow Leverkusen's lead once again but failed to convert from the penalty spot in the empty stadium. The defeat saw Leipzig move one spot lower from 7th to 8th place on the Bundesliga table, having been left with 18 points from 5W, 3D, and 5L. Jesse Marsch aims for a quick return to winning ways after back-to-back defeats: WDWLL. Die Roten Bullen could appear with the 4—3—2—1 formation, leaving André Silva at the top of the design. Leipzig has a long list of possible absentees, which may include Peter Gulacsi (COVID-19), Mohamed Simakan (COVID-19), and Willi Orban (COVID-19). Dani Olmo is sidelined for the rest of the year along with Marcelo Saracchi (ACL).