Malmo FF – Union Berlin : Preview & Prediction
Malmö’s fourth appearance in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) group stage has not been a positive one so far, with zero points after their first two Group D matches, having squandered the lead twice to eventually go down 3-2 to Royale Union on the recent UEL matchday. This result extends a worrying trend for Malmö, who are now winless in their last ten matches in Europe’s top competitions (E1, P9).
However, things have gone a little better for the Blue Ones since the loss to Royale Union, recording a win and a draw in their last two matches in Sweden’s top flight. They will be hoping to clean up their image in the UEL when they face Union Berlin for the first time, having beaten German opposition only three times in 12 attempts (E3, P6), but all three wins have come at home.
Union Berlin themselves need to show a new attitude in their first season in the UEL group stage, after they also finished with defeats in their first two games, making this a must-win for both teams. In fact, despite Union’s impressive performance in the current Bundesliga season, they are actually one of only two clubs yet to score in the UEL this campaign, meaning that in their last five matches only one team has found the net.
That could spell trouble for the Iron Ones, who have struggled away from home in Europe, losing three of their last four away games on the continental stage (G1). Urs Fischer’s side have not faced Swedish opposition previously, but the Bundesliga leaders should be confident and will be looking to confirm their superiority after losing just twice in their last eight games away from home (G5, E1).
Players to watch: Malmo’s Isaac Kiese Thelin has shown he can never be counted out, with four of his last five goals coming after half-time, while Union’s chances of success are vastly improved when Sheraldo Becker makes his presence felt on the scoresheet, having lost just one of 14 games where he has found the net (G11, E2).
Weekend stat: Goals have been registered in both halves in six of Malmö’s last seven matches.
Malmo FF – Union Berlin : Betting Tips
Union Berlin – Win Odds: 1.95
