Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin Preview – Prediction, how to watch & potential line-ups

A high-stakes meeting between Bayern Munich and Union Berlin at the Allianz Arena will drop the curtain Sunday’s Bundesliga programme.

Even though Borussia Dortmund stay between the two sides at the start of this round, this fixture has all the makings of a top-table six-pointer, with goal difference alone separating these three teams.

Perennial Bundesliga champions will consider this crunch encounter a perfect chance to bounce back from a 3-2 defeat at Borussia Monchengladbach last time out and consolidate their title bid. 

Julian Nagelsmann’s men have experienced a stuttering start to the new calendar year, managing just two wins in six Bundesliga outings (D3, L1), which puts the 35-year-old manager under a microscope. 

In stark contrast to their hosts, Bundesliga surprise package Union Berlin head into proceedings in high spirits after going unbeaten in all nine competitive games since the turn of the year (W7, D2).

Unfazed by last weekend’s underwhelming 0-0 home draw against basement boys Schalke 04, Urs Fischer’s side dispatched Ajax 3-1 in the return leg of their Europa League play-off tie on Thursday. 

But to follow up their progression into the round of 16, Die Eisernen will have to make history on Sunday and post their first-ever win over Bayern in the Bundesliga after seven failed attempts (D3, L4).

Match Preview

Bayern Munich

Beating direct title rivals would alleviate some pressure on Nagelsmann, with a record of two wins and a draw across their three previous home league matches against Union Berlin boosting the hosts’ confidence.

However, the Bavarians amassed only 12 wins in the opening 21 Bundesliga rounds (D7, L2), last collecting fewer triumphs at this stage of a top-flight season in 2011/12.

The statement speaks for itself, highlighting the increasing pressure on Nagelsmann, whose charges have drawn twice in their three home league outings in 2023 (W1). 

Union Berlin

Though the abovementioned draw with Schalke put the brakes on Union Berlin’s illustrious five-game winning run in the Bundesliga, the visitors can find comfort in their flawless away league record in 2023 (W3).

Die Eisernen proved their title credentials with a come-from-behind 2-1 win at RB Leipzig on their most recent top-flight travel, which put them on the cusp of four successive Bundesliga away victories for the first time.

Fischer’s lads have scored at least twice in all three previous away league matches, equalling the club record in the top flight in the process. 

Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin Potential Line-ups

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Yann Sommer; Joao Cancelo, Matthijs de Ligt, Benjamin Pavard, Alphonso Davies; Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka; Kingsley Coman, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane; Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.

Union Berlin (3-5-2): Frederik Ronnow; Paul Jaeckel, Diogo Leite, Robin Knoche; Josip Juranovic, Janik Haberer, Aissa Laidouni, Rani Khedira, Christopher Trimmel; Jordan Pefok Siebatcheu, Sheraldo Becker. 

How to Watch? 

You can watch Bundesliga games live online, including the upcoming blockbuster clash between Bayern and Union. 

Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin Prediction

Strangers things have happened, so backing Union Berlin to beat the odds in Bayern’s backyard makes perfect sense, especially considering the Bavarians’ rotten spell of form.

But we’d go with a scoring draw here.

Bayern Munich 2-2 Union Berlin