Union Berlin are a hugely underrated side who are deserving of their elevated position in the table but they have relinquished leading positions in five games this season. Hoffenheim are unbeaten in seven games with five wins, gaining a league-best 15 points from losing positions in their serene rise up to third spot. Union are very hard to beat on home soil, with only Bayern winning in the last 20+ games. A draw is the most sensible option here in the absence of any tangible home support inside the stadium. 1:1
Union have added Dominique Heintz from Freiburg to bolster defensive options and he could start after the sale of Marvin Friedrich. Niko Gießelmann is struggling with a thigh injury. Rani Khedira and Sheraldo Becker could return after COVID, but Rick van Drongelen "probably" has COVID too. Taiwo Awoniyi is a huge loss for Union while he is at the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria. Kasim Adams and Havard Nordtveit are both over the flu, while Diadie Samassekou is in Mali's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations. Pavel Kaderabek is ruled out with a thigh injury. Ermin Bicakcic is still out from ACL trouble and to add insult to injury also has tested positive for COVID as has Florian Grillitsch. Sebastian Rudy and Christoph Baumgartner have shaken off muscle injuries, while Robert Skov is still out with a thigh injury.
Union Berlin are undefeated in 24 of their last 25 home matches (Bundesliga). Union Berlin have kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 home matches (Bundesliga). There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Hoffenheim's last 6 away games (Bundesliga). Hoffenheim have scored at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 7 matches (Bundesliga). Hoffenheim are undefeated in their last 7 matches (Bundesliga). Hoffenheim have conceded at least 2 goals in 5 of their last 6 away matches (Bundesliga).
TSG Hoffenheim 
TSG Hoffenheim 
Union Berlin VS TSG Hoffenheim 