The Stadion An der Alten Försterei will host a fiery DFB-Pokal first-round tie as Bundesliga side 1. FC Union Berlin face 2. Bundesliga giants Hamburger SV. Union Berlin will be eager to bounce back from a difficult second half of last season under new coach Bo Henriksen.
They face a Hamburg team perennially knocking on the door of promotion, making this a classic “banana skin” cup fixture for the top-division club. The atmosphere will be electric, and the potential for an upset is real.
This home vs away match preview examines whether Union’s top-flight status and home fortress will be enough to see off a confident and talented Hamburg side. Our detailed home vs away betting preview for this Union Berlin vs Hamburger SV preview focuses on the cup’s magic and the pressure on Union to perform.
Union Berlin vs Hamburger SV Match Preview/Betting Preview
The key betting narrative is all about pressure and motivation. Union Berlin are the clear favorites but will carry the weight of expectation. Hamburg can play with freedom as the underdogs. Union’s physical, set-piece-heavy style will be tested against Hamburg’s more possession-oriented approach. The first goal will be critical; if Hamburg scores first, the pressure on Union will intensify dramatically.
Team Recent Form
Union Berlin: LLLDW
Hamburger SV: DWWWW
Key Stats
- Union Berlin are unbeaten in their last 13 DFB-Pokal first-round matches (W11 D2).
- Hamburg have been eliminated in the first round in three of the last five seasons.
- This is the first competitive meeting between the two clubs since 2018.
My exact correct score prediction is Union Berlin 2 – 1 Hamburger SV. I expect a major scare for the Bundesliga side. Hamburg will compete fiercely and likely score, taking advantage of any early-season rust from Union. However, Union’s experience, the immense power of their home crowd, and their resilience under new management should see them through in a hard-fought, nervy encounter that could easily go to extra time.
Union Berlin vs Hamburger SV H2H
- The last meeting was a 2. Bundesliga match in 2018, which ended 2-2.
- Union are unbeaten in their last 3 home games against Hamburg (W2 D1).
- Four of the last five meetings have ended with both teams scoring.
- The average goals per game in their last five encounters is 3.2.
Pre-game Odds
- Union Berlin Win: 1.95
- Draw: 3.60
- Hamburger SV Win: 3.80
Team News Home
Union Berlin have a few injury concerns but will be able to field a strong side. Key players like Robin Gosens and Benedict Hollerbach are fit. New coach Bo Henriksen will demand a high-intensity performance to set the tone for his tenure.
Team News Away
Hamburg have a fully fit squad and are in good spirits. Key attacker Robert Glatzel will lead the line. Manager Tim Walter will set his team up in their typical possession-dominant style, aiming to control the game and silence the home crowd.
Possible Line-ups
Union Berlin (3-5-2): Rønnow; Doekhi, Knoche, Leite; Juranović, Khedira, Tousart, Laïdouni, Gosens; Hollerbach, Volland.
Hamburger SV (4-3-3): Raab; Heyer, Schonlau, Vuskovic, Muheim; Reis, Benes, Meffert; Jatta, Glatzel, Königsdörffer.
Union Berlin vs Hamburger SV Betting Tips
- Tip 1 – Result: Home team win (Union Berlin). Despite the potential for an upset, Union’s home advantage and top-flight quality should see them through.
- Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals. The match has the feel of an open cup tie with both teams likely to score.
- Tip 3 – Both teams to score: Yes. Hamburg’s attacking threat suggests they can score, but Union’s need to win will likely mean they concede chances.
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