New coaches face an exciting first test: Union Berlin vs Eintracht Frankfurt prediction
The opening-round Bundesliga match between Union Berlin and Eintracht Frankfurt will take place on 29 August at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. Both teams head into the new Bundesliga season following managerial changes over the summer and convincing victories in the German Cup, making this opening test particularly revealing.
Union Berlin: Lustrinelli begins a new chapter
Mauro Lustrinelli's first competitive match in charge of the Berlin side ended in a 4-2 German Cup victory over Eintracht Braunschweig. Union had to come from behind twice, however, highlighting both the team's attacking potential and some defensive issues.
The club strengthened over the summer with the signings of Michel Aebischer, Felix Uduokhai, Stanley Nsoki and Emmanuel Latte Lath. After finishing 11th last season, the new manager's objective is clear — to make the team more consistent and move them closer to the top half of the table.
Eintracht Frankfurt: Hütter returns and receives an immediate boost
Frankfurt endured a difficult previous season with three different managers and eventually finished only eighth in the league. The club have now turned back to Adi Hütter, who previously managed the team and guided them to the semi-finals of both the German Cup and the Europa League.
The Austrian's first competitive match since returning was an impressive one, as Eintracht thrashed St. Tönis 11-0. The opposition were significantly weaker, but such a prolific performance should give the revamped squad confidence ahead of the Bundesliga opener.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Union began the season with a 4-2 German Cup victory over Eintracht Braunschweig.
- Eintracht Frankfurt thrashed St. Tönis 11-0.
- Both teams changed their head coaches over the summer.
Attack could take centre stage: Union Berlin vs Eintracht Frankfurt prediction
Union have home advantage and already showed character in their cup tie, but their defence was far from flawless. Eintracht are in a similar situation: the squad has been refreshed and the coach is only beginning to build a new system, but their attacking power is already evident.
Given their early-season form and the personnel changes, the match could be an open one with chances at both ends. Neither team currently looks stable enough to establish a clear advantage.
