FC Bayern vs. Union Berlin preview: Can Union spoil the party again? | OneFootball

On paper, it’s a clash between top and mid-table - but football rarely follows the script. The Rekordmeister will bring the usual firepower, Union bring their well-known resilience, and recent meetings suggest this fixture could be tighter than expected.

Bayern Munich come into this game in strong overall form, continuing to set the pace at the top of the Bundesliga. Their attacking unit has been particularly impressive, consistently producing goals and overwhelming most opponents - even when key players like Díaz, Kane and Olise miss a match. Even so, there have been moments where Bayern have looked less convincing - especially against teams willing to defend deep and stay compact, just like the men from Germany's capital.

Union Berlin’s season has been more turbulent, but their performances have shown signs of resilience. While results haven’t always gone their way, Union remain a difficult side to break down, particularly when they stick to their structured defensive approach.

Recent meetings between these two sides highlight just how competitive this fixture has become. Earlier in the Bundesliga campaign, Union managed to hold Bayern to an entertaining 2-2 draw, frustrating the champions in a phase where they seemed nearly unstoppable.

In the DFB-Pokal, however, Bayern edged a dramatic contest, securing a 3-2 victory in a match that showcased both their attacking quality and Union’s fighting spirit. Those results suggest that while Bayern are the obvious favorites again, they cannot expect an easy ride.

Team News

FC Bayern:

Bayern Munich are dealing with a few notable absences heading into this clash. Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies, Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich remain out due to their recent injuries. Aleksandar Pavlović received a knock in the 4-1 win against Atalanta midweek and could potentially miss this match - Vincent Kompany wants to make the decision on matchday. Adding to that, Luis Díaz, Jonathan Tah and Nicolas Jackson will also sit this game out, as they are suspended.

Union Berlin:

Union Berlin, meanwhile, have concerns of their own - particularly in goal. Injuries have disrupted their options between the posts, although Frederik Rønnow is closing in on a return and could start if fully fit. Matheo Raab, who stepped in for Rønnow last weekend, is definitely out. Aside from that, Union are expected to rely on their usual core of physically strong and tactically disciplined players, only András Schäfer is suspended.

Predicted Lineups

FC Bayern (4-2-3-1):

UrbigStanišić - Upamecano - Kim - Laimer Kimmich - GoretzkaOlise - Karl - GnabryKane

Union Berlin (3-5-2):

RønnowDoekhi - Querfeld - N'SokiTrimmel - Khedira - Kemlein - Haberer - KöhnAnsah - Ilić