1. FC Union Berlin vs FSV Mainz 05: Die Eiserner hope to climb back to the top of the Bundesliga
1. FC Union Berlin can top the Bundesliga, albeit for one day, if they triumph at home to 1. FSV Mainz 05 this Saturday.
There will be a molten atmosphere at the Stadion An der Alten Fösterei as Die Eiserner look to make their title charge even more of a possibility.
The side from East Berlin sit one point behind league leaders Bayern Munich, who face a tricky test away at VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday.
Union come into the game in terrific form having won three from three games following their return from the winter break.
They saw success in the DFB-Pokal on Wednesday with a 2-1 comeback win over Wolfsburg.
Goals from Robin Knoche, and Kevin Behrens were enough to cancel out Luca Waldschmidt’s opener.
New signing Josip Juranović has made an impact since his arrival from Celtic in the January transfer window.
The right-back has provided two assists in two appearances for his new club, seamlessly filling in the gap left by the much-renowned Julian Ryerson,
The Norwegian departed for Borussia Dortmund two weeks ago.
Union Berlin remain without centre-back András Schäfer who’s out with a foot injury.
Manager Urs Fischer could have had former Real Madrid midfielder Isco at his disposal for this weekend’s game.
The Spaniard failed a medical at the eleventh hour, so the transfer never materialised.
Steady progression from Mainz
Upcoming visitors Mainz had a little less joy in the cup midweek.
They were on the receiving end of a 4-0 drubbing at home to Bayern Munich, as new signing João Cancelo made an instant impact for the Bavarians.
Despite the disappointing result in the DFB-Pokal, Mainz find themselves in a suitable position in the league.
Following the winter break, Die Nullfünfer have won one, drew one, and lost one, leaving them 11th in the Bundesliga.
A 5-2 victory over VfL Bochum last weekend elevated Mainz a step clearer of any potential relegation fight.
The win put them seven points clear of their opponents in 16th.
Striker Karim Onisiwo will hope to continue his fine league form after securing a hat trick in last weekend’s victory.
Long-term absentees Marlon Mustapha and Jonathan Burkardt remain unavailable for Mainz through injury.
Boss Bo Svensson recently celebrated a year in charge of the club and will hope to continue what has been a fine tenure which included last season’s great escape.
Richie Gray set for vital role in the Scottish vanguard against England
