Union Berlin vs Hannover 96 Predictions, Betting Tips, & Match Preview

Union Berlin’s four match win streak came to a surprising end with a 2-0 defeat on their travels to relegation struggling FC Nurnberg last time out. Despite having 63% of the possession and more chances on goal, a 39th minute yellow/red sending off for newcomer Kristian Pedersen made it too difficult for the 10-man Berlin with over half the match to go. Union may have slipped down to 6th place as a result, three points behind 2nd place Hannover 96, but they’ll certainly take solace in the fact that they’re back playing on their home soil here (see statistics).

Hannover 96 have bounced back since their upset 2-0 defeat at home to Dynamo Dresden on match-day four. Centre back Salif Sane, who earned himself a straight red and a four match ban for violent conduct during this match, should return here, which will no doubt be a relief for coach Daniel Stendel, who has had to cope with plenty of injuries in the past weeks (see teams news). Despite injury woes, Hannover 96’s 2-0 win at home to St. Pauli last time out was their third win on the trot and saw them move (pre-matchday nine) up to 2nd place and just two points behind rivals Eintracht Braunschweig.

Union Berlin are slight favourites for the bookies at 6/4, but we feel this match is really hard to call. Hannover 96 are the stronger side on paper and certainly have the momentum after three consecutive wins. However, we feel this balances out evenly with Union Berlin’s strong home form – Union are unbeaten in thirteen consecutive home matches, the majority of which they have won (W10 D3). Also, given Hannover’s recent tendency to draw on the road – both of their draws have been from away matches –  we feel that a deadlocked outcome certainly offers some decent value here. Especially from a match without a clear cut winner.

As such, draw at 23/10 and a 1-1 draw at 11/2 are our choice bets for this match.