On Friday night, two teams from the German capital clash, as Hertha Berlin host Union Berlin at Olympiastadion in what promises to be a fascinating derby match.
This season was supposed to be the one where Hertha Berlin challenged for the European places after numerous new arrivals to the club since a big cash injection into the club.
However, the Bundesliga campaign has not gone to plan so far for the Old Lady, as Bruno Labbadia’s team are currently just three points clear of the relegation play-off spot.
A goalless draw at Bayer Leverkusen last time out was a creditable result. However, it means that Hertha have won just once in their previous eight matches in the German top-flight.
Hertha’s recent home form has certainly been a factor in that poor run of form, as they have failed to win in four games on home soil, suffering three defeats in the process.
At the root of their for recent poor home form has been a generous defence, as the home side has conceded at least two goals in three of their last four home games at the Olympiastadion.
Union Berlin are probably where their city rivals expected to be this season, challenging for a top-six spot. Incredibly, Urs Fischer’s team could move into the Champions League spots with a win in this clash, even if it is only temporarily before the other weekend games.
Union are unbeaten since the opening weekend of the campaign in the Bundesliga, having recorded four wins and four draws. Last time out, the visitors drew 3-3 against Eintracht Frankfurt in a highly entertaining encounter.
Fisher’s team have been prolific in attack of late, as they have scored at least two goals in their last four league matches in the Bundesliga.
Forebet predicts Union will win bragging rights and the three points to move into the top-four of the Bundesliga.