Preview: Hertha Berlin vs. Union Berlin - prediction, team news, lineups

In what can be considered the standout fixture in the round of 16 of the DFB-Pokal, Hertha Berlin will face bitter rivals Union Berlin at the Olympiastadion.

The hosts will participate in the last 16 for the first time since the 2015-16 edition of the compeitition, while Union Berlin are aiming to reach the quarter-finals for the second time in three seasons

Match preview

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Hertha Berlin are searching for their first victory of 2022, and there is no better time to break their duck then against their local rivals in the Berlin derby.

After playing out a goalless draw away to Wolfsburg, Die Alte Dame will return to home surroundings for a cup tie with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

Since reaching the semi-finals of the domestic cup competition in 2016, Hertha Berlin have failed to progress past the last 16.

However, having lost once in their last six home games, Wednesday's hosts will be hopeful of reaching the quarter-final stage.

Die Alte Dame will be seeking to avenge the 2-0 defeat that they suffered against Union Berlin in the league in November, and they can take encouragement from the fact that they have won the last two home derby games.

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As for Union Berlin, they will look to draw upon the type of performances that has seen them establish a nine-point gap over their local rivals in the Bundesliga.

They also enter the contest with an air of confidence after avoiding defeat in their last four matches.

At the weekend, Die Eisernen came from a goal down to win 2-1 against Hoffenheim, with Andreas Voglsammer and Grischa Promel finding the back of the net after Timo Baumgartl had scored an unfortunate own goal.

Although Union Berlin may have avoided defeat in six of their last eight away games, Urs Fischer will be fully aware that form goes out the window in derby games.

If they can edge out their rivals on Wednesday, Die Eisernen may start to dream of a cup run similar to the one that they achieved in the 2000-01 season, when they reached the final before falling to a 2-0 defeat against Schalke.

Team News

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Hertha Berlin will have to cope without the services of Stevan Jovetic, who is absent with a calf problem.

Ishak Belfodil returned to the starting lineup on Saturday, and the 30-year-old will retain his place in the side for the derby.

Meanwhile, Dedryck Boyata was given just four minutes at the weekend after returning from injury, but he could come into the starting XI for such an important encounter.

Union Berlin are expected to be without Niko Giesselmann due to a thigh problem, while Taiwo Awoniyi is currently on international duty with Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations.

New signing Dominique Heintz was given his debut on Saturday, and he is expected to start once again in midweek.

Having scored three goals in his last two games, Promel will be looking to provide a goal threat from midfield in the derby.

Hertha Berlin possible starting lineup:
Schwolow; Klunter, Stark, Boyata, Mittelstadt; Richter, Ascacibar, Darida, Ekkelenkamp; Maolida, Belfodil

Union Berlin possible starting lineup:
Luthe; Baumgartl, Heintz, Knoche; Trimmel, Promel, Oztunali, Khedira, Oczipka; Kruse, Voglsammer

We say: Hertha Berlin 2-1 Union Berlin

This will be the first ever cup meeting between the two sides, and though Union Berlin may be the team that are in better form, Hertha Berlin have won the last two derbies at the Olympiastadion, which is why we believe they will edge out their local rivals on Wednesday.

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