One point each: Union and Schalke seek a four-point jump today

Union Berlin and FC Schalke 04 meet today at 18:30 UTC with both sides on 1 point after two Bundesliga matches. Union’s home record reads 3 goals scored and 3 conceded, while Schalke have lost their only away game 3-0.

What's at stake

The clubs are level on 1 point, with Union 15th and Schalke 14th after two rounds. FC Augsburg lead on 6 points, leaving both teams five points behind; a win would take the victor to 4 points and cut that gap to two, while the loser would remain on 1.

The numbers

Union have scored 3 goals overall but conceded 7, with 0 clean sheets. Their recent form is a draw followed by a loss, most recently, while Schalke have scored 0 and conceded 3 overall and bring a loss followed by a draw. Schalke’s away record is 0 wins, 0 draws and 1 loss.

One to watch

L. Querfeld is the only named player from either squad on the league scorer chart, with 1 goal and 1 assist in 1 appearance for Union Berlin. His contribution gives the hosts a clear individual reference point in a game involving two attacks that have produced contrasting totals: Union’s 3 goals and Schalke’s 0.

Why it matters

Union must manage a squad missing O. Burke, M. Friedrich, A. Ilic, A. Markgraf and S. Nsoki, while K. Imeri is questionable with a thigh injury. Schalke will be without T. Kalas through a lack of match fitness and R. Schallenberg because of a red card, making today’s 18:30 UTC fixture an immediate chance for either side to turn one point into four.