TIPS - 1. FC Union Berlin VS VfB Stuttgart

[(1. FC Union Berlin) Strength]:
1. On Aug 16th, 1. FC Union Berlin hammered FC Gutersloh 5-0 in the first DFB-Pokal game on the road, making a good start.
2. 1. FC Union Berlin won the last competitive game in AH with performance as expected.

[(1. FC Union Berlin) Neutral]:
1. On August 20th, 1. FC Union Berlin officially announced that the club has signed Galatasaray defender Derrick Kohn. Last season, Derrick Kohn was loaned to SV Werder Bremen, making 30 appearances in various competitions and contributing 2 goals and 2 assists.
2. On May 28th, VfB Stuttgart officially announced that South Korean player Jeong Woo Yeong has completed a permanent transfer to 1. FC Union Berlin. Last season, he made 23 appearances for 1. FC Union Berlin on loan, contributing 3 goals and 2 assists.

[(1. FC Union Berlin) Weakness]:
1. On July 24th, 1. FC Union Berlin officially announced that they have signed French defender Stanley Nsoki on a one-year loan from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Last season, Stanley Nsoki made 22 appearances in the German Bundesliga without scoring a goal or providing an assist.
2. 1. FC Union Berlin's main striker Benedict Hollerbach transferred to 1.FSV Mainz 05 for 10 million euros in the summer window last season, and his departure is a major blow to their offensive end.
3. In the closing stage of last season, 1. FC Union Berlin conceded goals in 5 consecutive German Bundesliga games, with a total of 11 goals conceded, averaging 2.2 goals per game, and their defense was virtually non-existent.

[(VfB Stuttgart) Strength]:
1. On August 17th, VfB Stuttgart officially announced the signing of forward Tiago Tomas from VfL Wolfsburg. The total transfer fee is between 13 million and 15 million euros, and the player will wear the No. 8 jersey.
2. On July 27th, VfB Stuttgart officially announced the signing of 20-year-old midfielder Chema Andres from Real Madrid. The two parties have signed a contract until 2030. Chema Andres is a Spanish U19 international and was part of the team that won the 2024 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship.
3. On July 8th, VfB Stuttgart officially announced that the club has signed 18-year-old Serbian U21 international forward Lazar Jovanovic from Crvena Zvezda, with both parties agreeing to a contract until 2029.
4. The team's key midfielder Angelo Stiller has fully recovered and is set to make a comeback. Last season in the German Bundesliga, Angelo Stiller represented VfB Stuttgart in 34 games, all of which he started, scoring 1 goal and providing 8 assists.
5. VfB Stuttgart scored 25 goals in the last 10 competitive games, averaging 2.5 goals per game, with an outstanding offense. They scored at least 3 goals in 6 of them, showing an outstanding offense.
6. VfB Stuttgart kept unbeaten in the last 5 encounters with 4 wins and 1 draw, being at a mental advantage.

[(VfB Stuttgart) Weakness]:
1. On Aug 17th, VfB Stuttgart lost to FC Bayern Munich 1-2 in the German Super Cup Final and missed the trophy.
2. VfB Stuttgart lost their last competitive game in AH with performance below expectations.

[Tips]:
1. FC Union Berlin have also undergone a squad reshuffle, with new signings still in the process of integration.

However, the team have a mature defensive system and are highly motivated when playing at home.

In the second half of last season, under the guidance of new head coach Steffen Baumgart, the team remained unbeaten in 9 out of their last 10 games, with their counter-attacking tactics executed effectively.

On the other hand, although VfB Stuttgart performed well in the pre-season, their defeat in the German Super Cup may have affected the team's morale.

Additionally, they are plagued by serious injury issues, which have undermined the completeness of their squad.

In this game, 1. FC Union Berlin are expected to remain unbeaten by virtue of their home advantage and tactical stability.

[Recommended]:
1. FC Union Berlin (+0/0.5)