Union Berlin vs. Hertha Berlin: probable line-ups, match stats and LIVE blog!

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Awoniyi has had a great campaign so far, scoring seven goals in 11 Bundesliga games since making his loan deal from Liverpool to Union a permanent one in the summer. He also scored the opener in what turned out to be a 3-1 derby defeat across the city last season, but the recently capped Nigeria striker be hopeful of greater success this time around, especially with Max Kruse set to return alongside him after not featuring for the last three league fixtures. Veteran captain Christopher Trimmel has shared duties at right wing-back with Julian Ryerson, with the latter expected to get the nod at the Stadion an der Alten Försterei as Die Eisernen look to increase their four-point advantage over their city rivals.

Piatek hasn't had quite as blistering a start to 2021/22 after an ankle fracture he suffered at the back end of last season ruled him out of the opening five matchdays. The Poland international has become the focal point of the Hertha attack since his return, however, and struck once in five appearances. Coach Pal Dardai has been searching for winning formula for his side, who drew for the first time last matchday, at home to Bayer Leverkusen. They were denied all three points by a stoppage-time equaliser after Stevan Jovetic had put them ahead in some style, but the Montenegrin is likely out for this derby. Captain Dedryck Boyata is still serving a suspension for a red card, so Marton Dardai continues alongside stand-in skipper Niklas Stark in central defence.

Match stats

With seven goals after 11 matchdays, Awoniyi is enjoying career-best form.

Three games is Union's longest winless run of the season. Kruse missed each one.

However, Die Eisernen have only lost two of their last 27 home matches in the Bundesliga.

Jovetic is one of four Hertha players on a team-leading two goals for the season.

Hertha are yet to win a Bundesliga match at the Stadion an der Alten Försterei in two attempts (D1, L1), but did win take maximum points in one of two Bundesliga 2 fixtures there.

The Old Lady have claimed 19 fewer points (89) than Union (108) since their city rivals' promotion to the Bundesliga in 2019.

Probable line-ups

Union: Luthe - Friedrich (c), Knoche, Baumgartl - Ryerson, Khedira, Prömel, Gießelmann - Haraguchi - Kruse, Awoniyi

Out: Behrens (not included)

Doubtful: -

Coach: Urs Fischer

Hertha: Schwolow - Pekarik, Stark (c), M. Dardai, Plattenhardt - Ascacibar, Tousart - Richter, Serdar, Mittelstädt - Piatek

Out: Boyata (suspended), Darida (thigh), Klünter (shoulder)

Doubtful: Jovetic (not included)

Coach: Pal Dardai