Sunday’s matchup will significantly impact the Bundesliga title race at the Allianz Arena because Bayern Munich and Union Berlin are tied for 43 points at the top of the standings.
Team Form
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich has dominated German football for the past ten seasons, winning the previous ten Bundesliga championships. Nevertheless, the defending champions have not had it all their way this season.
With Dortmund leading Bayern by three points, Union Berlin matching Bayern in points, and Freiburg, RB Leipzig, and Eintracht Frankfurt within striking distance of the leaders, the title fight is sure to be exciting.
Although the Bavarians have only lost twice in the league and have amassed 12 victories in the process, they have managed seven draws this year, which is second only to FC Koln.
It’s also important to note that Bayern has won back-to-back games after recording three consecutive 1-1 draws after the winter break. Their most recent match ended in a 3-2 loss to Borussia Monchengladbach.
Bayern Bundesliga Form: D D W W L
Bayern Form (All Competition): W W W W L
Union Berlin
Union Berlin was promoted to the Bundesliga in 2020 and finished 11th in their debut season. They then finished seventh in 2020–21 and fifth last season, and now have a real opportunity to win the championship.
After the winter break, Urs Fischer’s team defeated Hoffenheim, Werder Bremen, Hertha Berlin, Mainz 05, and RB Leipzig in a five-match winning streak.
Despite being beaten to a discouraging scoreless draw by bottom-dwelling Schalke 04 last weekend, Union quickly recovered with a 3-1 victory over Dutch powerhouse Ajax in the Europa League on Thursday, securing their spot in the round of 16.
There is no denying that Union has struggled to score goals at times this season, but they have played solid defense the entire time, finishing with the second-best defensive record in the Bundesliga.
Union Berlin Bundesliga Form: W W W W D
Union Berlin Form (All Competitions): W W D D W
Union Berlin. What a story. What a season. Only promoted to Bundesliga in 2019. Level with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund and now knocking out Ajax in the Europa League. https://t.co/COw9ek5Q8U
— Aadam Patel (@aadamp9) February 23, 2023
Squad Report
Bayern Munich
Dayot Upamecano, a center-back for Bayern Munich, will miss the match on Sunday after receiving a straight red card against Borussia Monchengladbach last weekend after just eight minutes.
Upamecano is anticipated to be replaced by Matthijs de Ligt in the starting lineup.
Yann Sommer will continue to fill in for first-choice goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who is out for the remainder of the season with a fractured leg. Defender Lucas Hernandez will likely miss the rest of the season with an ACL injury.
Union Berlin
Andras Schafer, a midfielder for Union Berlin, will not be available this weekend due to an injury that has kept him out of the last few matches.
Jakob Busk, the visitors’ backup goalkeeper, is expected to miss the trip to Bavaria owing to illness.
Bayern Munich’s possible starting lineup:
Sommer; Cancelo, De Ligt, Pavard, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka; Coman, Musiala, Sane; Choupo-Moting
Union Berlin’s possible starting lineup:
Ronnow; Jaeckel, Leite, Knoche; Juranovic, Haberer, Laidouni, Khedira, Trimmel; Siebatcheu, Becker
Head to Head
There have only been seven matches between the two rivals, all of which have taken place in the Bundesliga since 2019.
The hosts have enjoyed an unbeaten run against the capital club, recording four wins and three draws.
Time, Date & Venue
Date: Sunday, February 26
Time: 05:30 pm, CET
Venue: Allianz Arena stadium, Munich
Prediction
We anticipate a tenacious Union Berlin team exiting the Allianz Arena with a point on Sunday, especially given how difficult it has been for Bayern Munich to convert draws into victories this year.
