Bayern Munich will look to strengthen their grip on the Bundesliga title when they face Union Berlin at Stadion An der Alten Forsterei on Saturday. The Bavarians currently sit atop the table with 61 points, eight clear of Bayer Leverkusen, while Union Berlin are struggling in 14th place with just 26 points, dangerously close to the relegation zone.
Union Berlin enter this clash with a much-needed 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, but their attacking struggles continue, having failed to score in 13 of their last 27 matches this season. Steffen Baumgart’s side have also been poor at home, with just one win from their last nine games at Stadion An der Alten Forsterei. With upcoming fixtures against Bundesliga’s top sides, Union face a tough battle to avoid being dragged deeper into the relegation fight.
Bayern Munich, on the other hand, are eager to bounce back from their shocking 3-2 defeat to VfL Bochum last weekend, where Joao Palhinha’s red card played a significant role in their collapse. However, Vincent Kompany’s men responded brilliantly with a dominant 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, securing a 5-0 aggregate victory and denting their rivals’ morale.
Union will be without defenders Robert Skov and Oluwaseun Ogbemudia, while midfielder Aljoscha Kemlein is out for the rest of the season. Danilho Doekhi, Leopold Querfeld, and Diogo Leite are expected to form a back three, with Christopher Trimmel and Josip Juranovic operating as wing-backs.
The Bavarians have been in scintillating form, scoring at least two goals in 27 of their 40 games this season and netting three or more on 22 occasions. Their 3-0 victory over Union Berlin in the reverse fixture in November is a testament to their dominance, and they have scored three or more goals against Union in five of their last seven meetings.
With Bayern’s impressive form and Union’s struggles at home, the visitors are expected to dominate and secure a comfortable victory, further solidifying their position at the top of the Bundesliga.
Bayern Munich face injury concerns as well, with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer sidelined due to a calf injury and Jonas Urbig set to replace him. Joao Palhinha is suspended, while Aleksandar Pavlovic is ruled out, likely forcing Joshua Kimmich to partner Leon Goretzka in midfield. Harry Kane will lead the attack, supported by Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, and Leroy Sane.