RB Leipzig vs. Union Berlin: DFB Cup semi-final probable line-ups, match stats and LIVE blog!

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In the first game of a cup-and-league double header between these two sides, Leipzig have their sights set on booking their ticket to the DFB Cup final for the third time in the last four seasons. The club are still chasing their first piece of major silverware and the DFB Cup offers the best avenue for success with Wednesday's tie a test of their title-winning credentials. On Matchday 30, Leipzig leapfrogged Leverkusen into third with a 1-0 win with head coach Domenico Tedesco able to utilize the strength in depth at his disposal. Christopher Nkunku inspired the win off the bench and is expected to return to the starting line-up along with the likes of Angelino, Konrad Laimer and Dani Olmo.

"It would be a minor miracle," said Union coach Urs Fischer, asked of his side's chances of reaching the final. Tactics or truth, Fischer's team's recent performances would suggest the former. Sunday's 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt strengthened their claim for European qualification via the Bundesliga, yet two wins in the cup would clinch a Europa League berth, in addition to a piece of silverware which would crown the Swiss coach's remarkable reign with Die Eisernen. "Our first-half performance [against Frankfurt] gives us a boost and we'll need a similar performance against Leipzig over 90 minutes," added Fischer, who would have been equally satisfied to see no injuries to his squad after Sunday's workout in the capital. He will therefore keep his faith in Taiwo Awoniyi and Sheraldo Becker to counter Leipzig's attacking flair with fire, in a bid to secure Union a return to the Olympiastadion for the third time this season, and the first for a cup final since 2001.

Match stats

Nkunku has three goals and two assists in four DFB Cup appearances so far this season.

Two-time DFB Cup runners-up Leipzig have reached the 2021/22 last four without conceding.

Leipzig have won all four of their competitive home games against Union to date.

Awoniyi opened the scoring as Union beat Leipzig 2-1 in the Bundesliga in December. It's his only goal in four meetings with Die Roten Bullen.

Union are into the semi-finals for the second time. They beat Borussia Mönchengladbach on penalties in the 2000/01 edition, before losing 1-0 to Schalke in the final

Fischer will oversee his 155th competitive game as Union coach. His record is: W63, D46, L45.

Probable line-ups:

Union: Ronnow - Jaeckel, Knoche, Baumgartl - Khedira - Trimmel (c), Haraguchi, Prömel, Gießelmann - Becker, Awoniyi

Out: -

Doubtful: Luthe (muscular)

Coach: Urs Fischer

Leipzig: Gulacsi (c) - Klostermann, Orban, Gvardiol - Henrichs, Laimer, Kampl, Angelino - Olmo - Silva, Nkunku

Out: Haidara (knee)

Doubtful: -

Coach: Domenico Tedesco

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