The German Bundesliga returns on Friday night following the international break, with Union Berlin and FC Koln getting the action back underway in the capital.
With ninth-place Union Berling trailing seventh-place FC Koln by just two points, the result of this clash could have a big impact on the race for the European spots.
Hoffenheim currently occupy the sixth and final European place, with RB Leipzig and SC Freiburg only one point ahead.
Let’s start by look at the hosts, Union Berlin, who have only managed to pick up one victory in their previous seven Bundesliga outings.
The club from the capital return from the international break on a three-game winless run, having recorded one draw and two losses since their last win.
Last time out, Union were thrashed 4-0 by Bayern Munich. Not only did they see just 28% possession in Bavaria, but they also faced a barrage of 16 shots.
Still, it is worth noting that Union have lost just two of their past 29 Bundesliga games on home soil. For that reason, they will be confident of avoiding defeat on Friday.
On the flip side, FC Koln have lost one of their previous five Bundesliga games – picking up two wins and two draws along the way.
They head into Friday’s clash on a two-game unbeaten streak, having beaten Bayer Leverkusen and drawn with Borussia Dortmund.
When you look at the bigger picture, Koln have lost only three of their last 12 Bundesliga matches – securing six wins and three draws in the process.
It is also worth pointing out that Koln have suffered one defeat in their previous eight away games across all competitions.
Head-to-head: Union Berlin have avoided defeat in each of their last seven meetings with FC Koln, recording five wins and two draws.
Trends show that both teams have scored in each of the previous four meetings between Union and Koln.
Team news: Union Berlin will be hoping to welcome back Levin Oztunali and Christopher Trimmel after the duo missed the previous game due to Covid.
Meanwhile, Koln pair Jonas Hector and Florian Kainz will also be hoping to return following Covid. Right-back Benno Schmitz looks set to miss out with a hamstring injury.
This is destined to be a close-fought battle between two sides chasing European football for next season.
Forebet predicts that both teams will score. As for the result, a draw looks like the most probable outcome.