Softfootball previews Saturday’s highly anticipated Bundesliga showdown between Bayern Munich and Union Berlin at the Allianz Arena.
Also Read: DFB-Pokal Match Report! Mainz 05 vs Bayern Munich Match Update, News and Scores (30th October, 2024)
Vincent Kompany’s men will aim to protect their unbeaten league streak as they meet a Union Berlin side hungry for points.
Match Preview
Bayern Munich comes into this fixture on a high after a commanding 5-0 win over VfL Bochum on October 27. The victory demonstrated their dominance, with the team enjoying 72% possession and creating numerous opportunities. This resounding win was crucial for Kompany, who faced criticism after a stinging 4-1 defeat by Barcelona in the Champions League, leaving them struggling in the tournament standings.
The Bavarians showed their resilience again midweek by thrashing Mainz 05 with a 4-0 victory in the DFB-Pokal, thanks to Jamal Musiala’s impressive first-half hat-trick. Bayern’s form has been remarkable, scoring 20 goals in their last five matches and tallying 24 in their recent six Bundesliga games alone. This offensive power has fueled their six wins from eight Bundesliga outings this season, cementing their place at the top of the table.
Bayern has a formidable home record, winning 15 of their last 18 games at the Allianz Arena and scoring in waves. This puts pressure on any visiting team, especially one like Union Berlin, whose road form has been inconsistent.
Union Berlin’s Outlook
Union Berlin arrives in Munich after a disappointing 2-0 loss to Arminia Bielefeld in the DFB-Pokal, a game where they managed just a single clear opportunity. Their last Bundesliga outing, a 1-1 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt, also left manager Bo Svensson frustrated as his side failed to capitalize after Frankfurt was reduced to 10 men in the late stages.
Despite their current position in the Champions League spots, Union’s offense has been underwhelming, netting only nine goals in eight league matches—the third-worst in the division. However, they compensate with defensive grit, conceding only five goals, second only to RB Leipzig.
Union Berlin’s recent form has been mixed; they’ve managed just one win in their last four matches. On the road, the story is even less favorable, with only two wins in their past 20 away fixtures.
Team News
Bayern Munich will be without Aleksandar Pavlovic until mid-December, with Hiroki Ito and Josip Stanisic sidelined until late November. Sacha Boey is also out until mid-November, which sets up a likely defensive line of Raphael Guerreiro, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, and Alphonso Davies. The midfield could see Joshua Kimmich alongside Joao Palhinha, while Michael Olise and Serge Gnabry are expected to support star striker Harry Kane up front.
Union Berlin faces its own challenges, with forward Ivan Prtajin and goalkeeper Yannic Stein unavailable until November. Josip Juranovic’s injury might open a spot for Danilho Doekhi, Kevin Vogt, or Diogo Leite in defense. Midfield absences include Lucas Tousart, with Aljoscha Kemlein and Rani Khedira likely stepping into the double pivot role.
Projected Bayern XI: Neuer; Guerreiro, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Kimmich, Palhinha; Olise, Musiala, Gnabry; Kane. Projected Union XI: Ronnow; Doekhi, Vogt, Leite; Trimmel, Kemlein, Khedira, Rothe; Jeong, Hollerbach, Vertessen.
Outlook
Union Berlin’s commendable defense will need to be at its best to withstand Bayern’s relentless attack. However, given Bayern’s scoring spree and the visitors’ lack of firepower, the home side is favored to secure a comfortable win and extend their unbeaten run.
