Preview | Union Berlin vs Hamburger SV: Baumgart plots revenge as he hosts reunion

Steffen Baumgart‘s side have been one of the most entertaining so far this season.

Union Berlin have been involved in 19 goals so far this season, conceding 7 and scoring 6 in their previous two games.

Union Berlin has conceded at least one goal in each of their last nine matches. Their last clean sheet was a 0-0 draw against Bayer Leverkusen on April 12th.

However, Baumgart will only be able to watch the game from the stands.

In the heated final moments of last weekend’s victory, Baumgart was sent off by referee, Sven Jablonski for foul language and a wayward middle finger.

A sideline ban and €15,000 fine means the former HSV coach will have to orchestrate Union from a distance.

After missing last week through suspension, Tom Rothe is likely to return to the starting line-up in defence.

Danilho Doekhi and Leopold Querfeld will certainly be called upon again in the three-man defense in front of Frederik Rönnow. Diogo Leite is also in contention to start. 

Hamburger SV

After the opening day 0-0 draw to Monchengladbach in August, alarm bells were ringing at Hamburger SV.

HSV had not scored a league goal until last week and registered just 10 shots on target in their opening three games.

The win at home to Heidenheim will have settled some nerves but the visitors still dominated possession, chances, and forward passes.

Clinical finishing from Luka Vuskovic and Rayan Philippe gave HSV a vital confidence boost.

Vuskovic is a slight doubt through injury and HSV will also be without Yussuf Poulsen (thigh) Jordan Torunarigha (Achilles tendon) and Silvan Hefti (thigh).

This may free up Fabio Vieira to play a more advanced midfield role to support Ransford Kongsdorffer in game that will be characterised by an open, end-to-end style.