FC Bayern aiming to go top ahead of the Oktoberfest

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FC Bayern München

·17 September 2026

FC Bayern aiming to go top ahead of the Oktoberfest

FC Bayern kick off Bundesliga Matchday 4 when they host 1. FC Union Berlin at the Allianz Arena on Friday night (live coverage with our text commentary and free web radio on fcbayern.com and in the FC Bayern app from 20:30 CEST). Ahead of the three-week international break, the Munich men are aiming to reclaim the top spot in the table – at least temporarily – with a home win. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our preview.

The best photos from Thursday’s final training session:

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Final training session ahead of the match against Union Berlin

On Thursday, FC Bayern held their final training session ahead of Friday's Bundesliga home game against 1. FC Union Berlin. The session in pictures.

Latest news from FC Bayern

Following a 0–0 draw away to newly-promoted FC Schalke 04 on Matchday 2, FC Bayern also had to fight hard for the win against fellow league newcomers Elversberg. Harry Kane got the decisive goal in the 2–1 victory, securing the side’s second three-point haul of the season. It also meant the record champions remained unbeaten in their first three games of a Bundesliga campaign for the sixth consecutive season.

The Munich men are heading into their home game against Union with plenty of momentum, as they've lost just one of their last 30 competitive matches in front of their home crowd. They're now aiming to take the next step against the Irons – and to extend a special run on Friday evening: Bayern have won all of their last nine Friday matches in the Bundesliga.

“First, we intend to get the job done and pick up three points against Union. After that, I’ll head to the Wiesn and enjoy watching the national team’s matches,” said Vincent Kompany, looking ahead to the upcoming international break and the Munich Oktoberfest.

The facts on the clash with Union:

Friday is Bayern day: Our remarkable record against Union

Kane could also be the one to lay down the next marker. Following his goal against Elversberg, the striker has now racked up 99 goals in 97 league matches. His next one would see him become the fastest player to reach the 100-goal mark in the Bundesliga.

Read the key statements from the press conference here:

Kompany in his press conference: 'Union are in transition'

The opposition: 1. FC Union Berlin

Union Berlin have had a tough start to the season under their new coach, Mauro Lustrinelli. The Köpenick side have picked up just one point from their first three Bundesliga encounters and are currently third from bottom. What's more, Union have already conceded ten goals. The defensive solidity that has long been one of the Irons’ greatest strengths has evaded them in these opening weeks.

Lustrinelli has ushered in a new era in the capital and switched Union’s defensive system from a back three to a back four. At the same time, the Swiss coach favours a high-intensity pressing game – a tactical approach that saw him win the Swiss championship at the first time of asking with FC Thun last season. This Bundesliga campaign, Union have recorded the second-highest number of pressing sequences of any team, behind the record champions. It looks like there may be an intense battle for possession on the cards.

Despite the poor start to the season, Kompany expects tough opponents: “Union have undergone a major transition. They’ve brought in a very successful coach. The confidence he exudes will also have an impact on the decisions made. Whatever happens, we’re prepared for any changes opponents might make.”

We take a look at Union in our opposition profile:

After a poor start: Union Berlin and the quest for former strength

Team news

Kompany has the full squad at his disposal for the home match. The Bayern coach praised the work of the medical unit and athletics department and explained that all of his players are available. Serge Gnabry could make his first appearance of the season against Union following his recovery phase. “We’ve waited a long time for Serge to give the green light that he’s feeling well. I reckon he’ll get some game time against Union,” said the Belgian.

Luis Díaz has also been hitting the target regularly in training recently. “He’s scored an incredible number of goals in training. It’s been a good week for him; if he can carry that form into the match, he’ll be right back on track,” said the Bayern coach.

Union's Josip Juranovic is suffering from an infection and his availability is in doubt. Andrej Ilić, Stanley Nsoki, Oliver Burke and Marvin Friedrich are also out.

What the coaches say

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Test your knowledge of the upcoming Bundesliga fixture in our Matchday Quiz:

Matchday Quiz: FC Bayern vs. Union Berlin