As the surprise package in the Bundesliga this season, Union Berlin will be looking to continue their impressive start against Köln now that the international break is over.
Focus Back on the Bundesliga for Union Berlin
International Break Halted Strong Run
Die Eisernen manager Urs Fischer would have been frustrated at the timing of the international break. His side headed into the break fifth in the table on 12 points from their opening seven games.
Despite an opening day defeat, Union then went six games unbeaten in the league, seeing off Arminia Bielefeld 5-0 in their final game before the internationals.
And it wasn’t just the results that were pleasing for Union fans, but also the display. Last season, Die Eisernen looked vulnerable at parts of the season but with the summer signings making an immediate impact, the club doesn’t look out of place in the top flight.
New Signings
One new signing, Max Kruse, has hit the ground running. The former Wolfsburg and Werder Bremen striker has netted three goals and laid on five assists from seven Bundesliga outings.
Fellow forwards Cedric Teuchert and Joel Pohjanpalo have also netted twice while winger Keita Endo opened his account against Arminia.
But it’s not just the attacking options that have impressed. Centre backs Marvin Freidrich and Nico Schlotterbeck have also added two goals each and have been a critical part of a backline that has conceded just seven league goals this season.
Upcoming Fixtures and Team News
Union travel to Köln on Sunday before entertaining Eintracht Frankfurt Saturday week. Die Eisernen then travel across the city to face Hertha in the Berlin derby before welcoming the current champions, Bayern Munich.
However, Fischer has been dealt with a number of injury blows ahead of this weekends fixture. Pohjanpalo could miss the remainder of the season with an ankle injury he sustained while on international duty with Finland, while Schlotterbeck will miss a couple of weeks with a thigh injury.
Christian Gentner has picked up a muscle injury while Endo, who picked up a knock against Arminia, could return to training next week.
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