Our prediction for this DFB Pokal match:
Manheim and Union Berlin take on each other at Carl-Benz Stadion in a highly-anticipated DFB Pokal clash. Manheim have been impressive at home ground of late, with the team recording four in their last five league fixtures, but beating the Bundesliga side is easier said than done. Both Martinovic and Boyamba are likely to return to the starting XI as the duo has netted eight goals between each other.
Union Berlin, on the other hand, head into the match following a 1-1 draw with Stuttgart. The capital club produce much better showings at home than on the travels, which is probably the main reason why we are tempted to put our money on draw. Both Friedrich and Van Drongelen are rated doubtful through illness, while Poland international Wszolek remain in the recovery room. In their last meeting in the German Cup, back in 2003, Union Berlin defeated Manheim 4-0.
Highlighted Player (Marvin Friedrich):
Marvin Friedrich is a product of FSC Guxhagen football school. The German footballer played for the likes of OSC Vellmar, Paderborn and Schalke during his youth career as well before making his senior debut with die Knappen.
Marvin Friedrich scored 4 goals in 30 appearances for Schalke B before he started playing for the senior team. The German defender made his Bundesliga debut on September 13, 2014 in a 4-1 loss to Borussia M’gladbach. Nowadays Friedrich plays for Union Berlin as he signed a permanent deal with the Bundesliga side on July 5, 2019. His main position is centre-back, but he is capable of producing fine performances as both left and right back as well.
Friedrich’s contract with Union Berlin expires on June 30, 2022. The versatile defender has yet to make his debut with the Germany senior team, but he has four caps with Germany U20 and three with Germany U19 respectively.
Highlighted Team (Union Berlin):
Union Berlin are a German football club originally founded back in 1906. Die Eisernen play home games at Stadion An der Alten Forsterei which can hold up to 22,012 spectators. Union Berlin’s home kit is red, with the team wearing white shirts and white shorts on the travels.
Union Berlin finished the 1923 domestic campaign as runners-up, with the team suffering a 3-0 loss to Hamburger SV in the title game. Speaking of the club’s biggest success in the German Cup, die Eisernen made it to the final of the competition in the 2000/2001 season. Schalke, though, proved to be a big catch for Union Berlin in the decider, with Jorg Bohme scoring a brace for die Knappen (2-0).
Union Berlin will face their local rivals Hertha in the 2019/2020 Bundesliga season as they secured promotion to the German top flight, but Hansa Rostock are considered the club’s main rivals.