Team News

Hertha Berlin

Brought in to steady the ship, Bruno Labbadia enjoyed a dream start with a 3-0 win at a canter in Hoffenheim.

Salomon Kalou has been suspended after filming himself flaunting COVID-19 rules on video.

Vladimir Darida is available after suspension, but Marius Wolf is struggling with a foot injury.

Veteran Vedad Ibisevic is battling big money capture Krzyzstof Piatek for a spot in attack, where Matheus Cunha, a recent signing from RB Leipzig, has also impressed of late.

Ex-Bayern Munich keeper Thomas Kraft has lost his spot in goal to Norway’s Rune Jarstein.

Ex-Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata has shaken off a nagging thigh injury, while Peter Pekarík is over a calf problem.

Australian international Mathew Leckie is fit following a knee injury, but still has work to do to make the starting XI.

Union Berlin

Urs Fischer missed the defeat to the champions Bayern after a family bereavement.

The Swiss coach will likely keep faith with the bulk of the capital city side that has eased to relative mid-table security.

Marvin Friedrich is available after suspension, but Keven Schlotterbeck is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow against the champions. Florian Hübner could slot in.

Yunus Malli tested positive for the Coronavirus but is nearing a return to the squad, while Sheraldo Becker has a thigh injury and is ruled out for a few weeks.

Striker Suleiman Abdullahi and Grischa Prömel have recovered from long-term issues to boost the squad.

Akaki Gogia is still not over knee ligament damage, while Christopher Lenz had to abort training in midweek so has to be a doubt.

Prediction

• The big Berlin derby under the floodlights with Hertha enjoying more than a day’s extra rest than their local rivals.
• Union, traditionally the smaller club to the east of the capital city, lost to the champions Bayern as expected on Sunday.
• Buoyed by a good win in Hoffenheim, back Hertha to get the job done at home.

Prediction:

Hertha Berlin 3:1 Union Berlin