Union Saint-Gilloise-Union Berlin is a Europa League round of 16 return match played on Thursday at 21:00: predictions.
This is the fourth clash of the season between Belgians Union Saint-Gilloise and Germans Union Berlin, whose paths had already crossed during the Europa League group stage. The balance so far is in total equilibrium: a victory on each side in the autumn and a pyrotechnic draw (3-3) last Thursday in the first leg of the round of 16, with Urs Fischer’s men having to come back three times in front of their home crowd.
That which took place in the Berlin stadium was one of the most electrifying matches along with the Lisbon match between Sporting and Arsenal. Quite unexpectedly, as only two goals in total had been scored in the previous two matches. A week ago, Union Berlin had most of the chances but the Belgians proved to be more cynical and came close to a success that would have been sensational. The German side, the great Bundesliga revelation, were saved by Michel’s goal a minute from the final whistle, at least limiting the damage. It was a draw that becomes even more valuable now that the away goals rule no longer exists: should it end in a deadlock again in Belgium, it would go to extra time and possibly penalties.
Fourth clash of the season between the two Unions
Needless to say, it would be an historic achievement for both clubs to reach the quarter-finals of a European competition: up until five years ago, Union Berlin and Union Saint-Gilloise were struggling in the lower categories.
Boniface and Van Der Heyden
Karel Geraerts’ men pulled off another feat at the weekend, beating the Belgian Pro League leaders 2-1 away, bringing them to within -5 of first place. The capital club, on the other hand, continued to slow down as they picked up their third draw in a row (1-1) at Wolfsburg, while maintaining fourth place on equal points with Leipzig. Union Saint-Gilloise are all available and coach Geraerts is expected to field the same line-up as in the German capital, with Boniface and Vertessen in attack, flanked by Amani. Only one defection in the ranks of Unon Berlin, who must do without Schafer, who is struggling with a foot problem. On the left flank Roussillon is favoured over Juranovic: the Croatian played in the league and will start from the bench in the cup.
The prediction
The Germans showed their superiority in the first leg but squandered too many chances and now have to win in Belgium. They remain favourites for qualification, however, it is highly likely that the two teams will also score at least one goal each in the return match. We expect a more prolific second half.
Union Saint Gilloise v Union Berlin likely line-up
- UNION SAINT-GILLOISE (4-3-3): Moris; Nieuwkoop, Burgess, Kandouss, van der Heyden; El Azzouzi, Lapoussin, Lynen; Amani, Boniface, Vertessen.
- UNION BERLIN (3-5-2): Ronnow; Doekhi, Knoche, Leite; Trimmel, Laidouni, Khedira, Haberer, Roussillon; Becker, Behrens.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-1
