Match Overview

The eagerly anticipated opening match of the Bundesliga season features Union Berlin hosting Stuttgart on August 23rd at the historic An der Alten Försterei stadium in Berlin. This preview offers a comprehensive look at the fixture, including a detailed prediction, betting insights, and crucial statistical analysis for the Union Berlin vs. Stuttgart encounter.

Union Berlin’s Recent Form

Union Berlin concluded the previous Bundesliga campaign in 13th position, accumulating 40 points. Their survival in Germany’s top flight was largely secured by a strong finish to the season, losing just once in their final ten league matches (4 wins, 5 draws). This resilience ensures their seventh consecutive season in the Bundesliga. A notable concern from last season was their attacking output, with the capital club netting only 35 goals, a tally better only than Bochum (33) and St. Pauli (28). Their pre-season preparations included eight friendly fixtures, resulting in four losses, three wins, and one draw.

Squad Changes for Union Berlin

During the summer transfer window, Union Berlin bolstered their squad with the addition of defender Derrick Köhn and forwards Ilias Ansah and Oliver Burke. A key departure to note is that of defender Benedict Hollerbach.

Union Berlin Key Statistics

• Union Berlin have failed to secure a victory in 7 of their last 8 home Bundesliga fixtures (4 draws, 3 defeats).
• The club has scored more than one goal in only 2 of their last 8 home league matches.
• The Iron Ones have conceded in 6 of their last 7 home Bundesliga encounters.

Union Berlin Expected Lineup

Expected Starting XI for Union Berlin (3-5-2): Frederik Rønnow; Danilo Doekhi, Leopold Querfeld, Tom Rothe; Christopher Trimmel, András Schäfer, Rani Khedira, Janik Haberer, Robert Skov; Ilias Ansah, Andriy Illic.

Stuttgart’s Performance Analysis

Stuttgart concluded their last league campaign in ninth place with 50 points, marking a considerable dip from their impressive second-place finish in the preceding season. Nevertheless, they were one of only two teams to clinch victories in the final three rounds of the previous Bundesliga season. Their away form was particularly strong, as the Swabians collected 27 points on the road, a tally surpassed by only three other clubs. During the pre-season, Stuttgart participated in four friendly matches, securing three wins and one defeat. They also contested the German Supercup, where they narrowly lost 1-2 to Bayern Munich.

Stuttgart Transfer Activity

Over the summer transfer period, Stuttgart welcomed defender Lorenz Assignon and forwards Tiago Tomás and Lazar Jovanović to their ranks. Conversely, midfielder Enzo Millot departed the club.

Stuttgart Key Statistics

• Stuttgart have failed to register a win in 5 of their last 6 Bundesliga encounters at Union Berlin’s home ground (3 draws, 2 defeats).
• The team conceded exactly 1 or 2 goals in 6 of their last 9 away league fixtures.
• The Swabians found the net in the first half in 5 of their last 7 away Bundesliga matches.

Stuttgart Expected Lineup & Injuries

Expected Starting XI for Stuttgart (4-5-1): Alexander Nübel; Maximilian Mittelstädt, Jeff Chabot, Luca Hakes, Josha Vagnoman; Chris Führich, Angelo Stiller, Nick Woltemade, Atakan Karazor, Jamie Leweling; Deniz Undav.

Forward Silas Mvumpa is set to miss the upcoming match due to an injury.

Match Official: Robert Hartmann

Robert Hartmann (Germany)

His officiating record for the 2024/25 Bundesliga season includes 14 matches;

Yellow cards issued (including second yellows) – 48;

Average yellow cards per match – 3.4;

Red cards issued – 5;

Average fouls per match – 21;

Matches with penalty decisions – 29%.

Our Match Prediction

Union Berlin’s home form has been less than stellar, with the capital club struggling to secure maximum points consistently. Over their last 14 Bundesliga home games, Union has recorded just two victories, alongside seven draws and five defeats. Notably, they managed to score more than one goal in only three of these matches. Furthermore, the Berliners have shipped nine goals in their last three home league fixtures.

In stark contrast, Stuttgart displayed impressive away form last season, suffering only four defeats in 17 Bundesliga road trips (7 wins, 6 draws). Significantly, all these losses were against teams that finished in the top six of the previous league campaign. The Swabians also boast a strong attacking record on the road, having scored 12 goals in their last four away Bundesliga matches.

Anticipating a confident performance from the visiting side, my prediction is: Stuttgart Asian Handicap (0) with odds of 1.50.