Union Berlin will look to build on last weekend’s 2-1 victory over FC Koln when they come up against a Paderborn side who are devoid of both confidence and points.
It was the Berliner’s first win since the restart, and this is arguably the perfect fixture to make it two from two for Urs Fischer’s men. It is also a great opportunity for them to record their first home win since January.
Union not yet safe
Union are not mathematically safe, but the chances of them being relegated are now extremely low. A win here will eliminate any chance of an immediate return to 2. Bundesliga.
For large parts of the match against Koln, Union looked quite menacing going forward. This fixture could represent an opportunity for their forwards to show they belong in the Bundesliga.
Paderborn have to win
Paderborn, on the other hand, simply have to win at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei and hope other results go their way.
Their 5-1 defeat at home to fellow strugglers Werder Bremen was further proof that they simply aren’t good enough for the Bundesliga this season.
It has been a slow march to relegation for Steffen Baumgart’s side, who haven’t won a game since late January, when they won 2-0 away at Freiburg.
Team news
In terms of team news, it’s very likely that Robert Andrich will return to Union’s midfield following his one match suspension.
It’s unclear whether German left-back Christian Lenz will make his return from injury on Tuesday or not.
There is a chance that Fischer will opt to start with a back three, meaning veteran defender Neven Subotic could feature.
In a rare positive for Paderborn, defender Uwe Hunemeier and forward Streli Mamba will return from suspension and are expected to come straight back into the starting eleven.
Predicted lineups
Union Berlin: Gikiewicz, Reichel, Friedrich, Schlotterbec, Trimmel, Gentner, Andrich, Bulter, Malli, Ingvartsen, Andersson
Paderborn: Zingerle, Jans, Hunemeier, Strohdiek, Collins, Proger, Gjasula, Vasiliadis, Holtmann, Mamba, Srbeny
Previous meeting
When these two sides last met back in December, Paderborn managed to secure a 1-1 draw. They will have to improve on that result if they’re to keep any hopes of reaching the relegation play-off spot this season.