Bundesliga: Dortmund Look to Close Gap on Leaders Union Berlin

Union Berlin vs Borussia Dortmund

It’s a big weekend in the Bundesliga, with the current top four all facing off against one another! The first match will feature leaders Union Berlin, who are undergo another big test as they host fourth-placed Borussia Dortmund.

Dortmund have won just once in their last four league games after their dramatic Der Klassiker draw against Bayern Munich last week, so they will be desperate to win and move back to within a point of Union.

But the Bundesliga 2022 betting odds will be close against Union Berlin, who remain unbeaten at home this season and will be a tough team for BVB to break down.

Talking Points

Union Berlin still in top spot

Who would have thought that Union Berlin would still be on top of the Bundesliga a quarter into the season? The Berliners are two points clear of Freiburg with six wins in their first nine games.

Union Berlin’s home form has been a big factor in their success this season. They are one of three Bundesliga clubs (RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich are the others) who are still undefeated at home (three wins, one draw).

Urs Fischer’s side has also been brilliant defensively. They have the best defensive record in the Bundesliga with just six goals conceded in nine games, two of which coming in their 2-0 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.

Union Berlin once again have a Europa League assignment this midweek against Malmo. But despite their relatively small squad, Union have not had too many problems juggling their European commitments with the league. They have won all three of their Bundesliga games following a Europa League match.

Sheraldo Becker has been Union Berlin’s breakout star this season, providing most of the club’s Bundesliga 2022 highlights. The Suriname international striker leads the team with six goals and three assists in nine league games.

Neither Becker nor striker partner Jordan Pefok had a single shot in their most recent Bundesliga match, a 1-0 win over relegation strugglers Stuttgart. They have combined for score nine of the team’s 16 league goals thus far, so they will have to bounce back against Borussia Dortmund.

BVB need a victory

Borussia Dortmund are not in the best of form at the moment. After a strong start where they won five of their first six games in all competitions, BVB have only picked up two wins in their last seven, with three defeats and two draws.

They had a dramatic come-from-behind 2-2 draw against rivals Bayern Munich in Der Klassiker last time out in the league. However, they were unable to carry over that momentum to the Champions League, where they were held to a 1-1 draw by Sevilla at home.

Anthony Modeste, who was instrumental in the comeback against Bayern, had another disappointing match as he went without a shot before being subbed off for Youssoufa Moukoko. The 17-year-old Moukoko had started each of the previous two games, contributing one goal and one assist, so he could be in line to reclaim his place over Modeste against Union.

Fellow newcomer Karim Adeyemi was also underwhelming once again and could be replaced by the fit-again Giovanni Reyna.

Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham continued his remarkable Champions League form as he scored his fourth goal in four games. The England international will be hoping to carry over that goalscoring touch in Europe to the Bundesliga, where he has yet to score this season.

History

Union Berlin and Borussia Dortmund have met just six times in the Bundesliga. Union surprisingly had the upper hand to start, winning two of their first three matchups, both of which coming at home. But Borussia Dortmund have reestablished dominance as they’ve won each of the next three games, all of which by at least two clear goals.

Dortmund did the double over Union last season, winning 4-2 at Signal Iduna Park before beating them 3-0 in Berlin.

Marco Reus, who will not feature due to injury, bagged a brace at An der Alten Försterei, while left-back Raphael Guerreiro scored in both matches.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have Borussia Dortmund installed as slight 2.36 favourites to beat Union Berlin, who are priced at 2.94 to maintain their unbeaten home record. A draw is 3.30.

This battle between first and fourth figures to be a tough fight from start to finish. As discussed earlier, Union Berlin are a tough nut to crack, especially at home, so Dortmund and their inconsistent attack will have their work cut out for them.

But as they showed against Bayern, Dortmund have that never-say-die attitude that could very well earn them a draw in Berlin.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.