1.FC Union Berlin vs. Borussia Dortmund preview: Visitors chasing a rare win in Köpenick | OneFootball

1.FC Union Berlin

Approaching the 19th-Matchday in the Bundesliga, 1.FC Union Berlin's season is in a healthy place. They currently sit ninth in the table and trail the Conference League's berth by a mere five points. 

The good form has been reflected off the pitch too. Either side of the Köpenick club's 60th-anniversary, Steffen Baumgart was rewarded with a new contract. Long-serving full-back Christopher Trimmel also extended. 

Although perhaps not ripping it up in 2026 with three consecutive draws, this Baumgart side has fighting spirit. In each of their last three games against Mainz, Augsburg and Stuttgart they've scored past the 80th minute.

Now, they host a Borussia Dortmund side who have often found the going tough at the Alte Försterei. Union, in fact, have emerged victors in three of the last five meetings between the teams in the German capital. 

Team news:

By and large, Union Berlin have most of their personnel available to them. Only Robert Skov (knock), Tom Rothe (knock), and Tim Skarke (knock) are doubts. Meanwhile, Derrick Köhn is suspended for his red card in Augsburg.

Ronnøw should play behind a trio of Doekhi, Querfeld and Leite in defence. Trimmel and Juranovic are likely to play outside Kemlein, Khedira and Jeong in midfield, while Ansah and Burke ought to lead the line up top. 

Ronnøw – Doekhi, Querfeld, Leite – Trimmel, Kemlein, Khedira, Jeong, Juranovic – Ansah, Burke

Borussia Dortmund

As for Borussia Dortmund, they come into this fixture on the back of some decent domestic form and a European nightmare. Their two wins and a draw in 2026 was followed up by a Champions League capitulation in London. 

The first 26 minutes of their game against an injury-hit Spurs couldn't have gone much worse. A nervy, error-ridden start gave the hosts the lead before Daniel Svensson's red card effectively rubber-stamped the defeat.

However, it's worth noting that's only a fourth loss in all competitions for Niko Kovač's side. While the football may not be glamorous, BVB have become a hard to beat under his reign, and they'll need to be again this weekend.

Dortmund's record hasn't been the best in Berlin since Union's promotion in 2019. With just two wins in their six trips to Köpenick, one thing is clear that patience and perseverance will be key to their chances on Saturday evening.

Team news:

Niko Kovač practically has an entire squad to choose from barring Marcel Sabitzer (calf) who is unlikely to return in time. Otherwise, there are no fresh reports of injuries in the Westphalians' ranks. 

Kobel will start in goals behind Süle, Anton and Schlotterbeck. Ryerson should return alongside Can, Nmecha and Svensson in midfield. Into the attack, Chukwuemeka and Brandt ought to partner striker Fabio Silva.

Kobel – Süle, Anton, Schlotterbeck – Ryerson, Can, Nmecha, Svensson – Chukwuemeka, Brandt – Silva