Bundesliga: Union Berlin Seek to Unseat Bayern from Top Spot

Union Berlin vs Bayern Munich

There’s a big battle at the top of the Bundesliga table this weekend as second-place Union Berlin host leaders Bayern Munich at Stadion An der Alten Försterei.

Defending champions Bayern are ahead only via goal difference after their perfect start to the season came to an end against Borussia Monchengladbach.

They now face an Union Berlin side that has made a tremendous start to their campaign and will have their sights set on defying the Bundesliga 2022 odds even further by unseating Bayern from top spot.

Talking Points

Union Berlin’s unbeaten run continues

Union Berlin are in the midst of their best-ever start to a Bundesliga season with 10 points from their first four games (3 wins, 1 draw) and will head into a matchday in the top two in the top-flight standings for the first time.

Urs Fischer’s side are coming off a 6-1 demolition of newly promoted Schalke last time out, which extended their club-record Bundesliga unbeaten run to 11 games (9 wins, 2 draws). Coincidentally, their last loss was a 4-0 hammering away to Bayern Munich back in March.

The new front two of Sheraldo Becker and Jordan Pefok has begun the season in brilliant form. Becker, who scored a brace against Schalke, is tied with Christopher Nkunku for the league lead with four goals, and he also has two assists. And Pefok, who just arrived this summer, has already provided plenty of Bundesliga 2022 highlights with two goals and two assists.

Meanwhile, the excellent Union Berlin defence that was among the best last season is still going strong. They have conceded just three goals thus far; one was a penalty and the other two were late consolation goals.

They had a particularly resolute defensive performance in their 2-1 home win over RB Leipzig. Despite the Red Bulls controlling 74 per cent of possession, only two of their 16 shots were on target.

Bayern keen to bounce back from Gladbach setback

Bayern Munich suffered their first setback of the season as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Borussia Monchengladbach.

After scoring a remarkable 15 goals through their first three Bundesliga games – all wins – Bayern struggled to get past Gladbach’s inspired keeper Yann Sommer, who set a new Bundesliga record with 19 saves. Luckily, though, Leroy Sane got a late equaliser to salvage a point for the champions.

Jamal Musiala, who has been arguably Bayern’s best player during the first month of the season, came off the bench after his recent injury to set up Sane’s equalising goal. The 19-year-old now has four goals and an assist on the season and should be ready to reclaim his starting spot against Union.

Despite their inability to convert their chances against Gladbach, there’s not much to be concerned about Bayern, who have been absolutely dominant to start the season. Robert Lewandowski’s departure has helped unlock a new dimension to Julian Nagelsmann’s side, which is playing a more dynamic and free-flowing style of football.

Although, there is still a bit of question mark in defence. Dayot Upamecano made a costly error that led to Gladbach’s goal, so he could potentially be dropped in favour of Matthijs de Ligt.

History

While Union Berlin have done remarkably well since their promotion to the Bundesliga, they have – like most clubs do – struggled against Bayern. The Bavarians are unbeaten in six meetings against Union, with four wins and two draws. Bayern are the only team that Union have been unable to beat in their three years back in the top flight.

Bayern were particularly dominant last season as they thumped Union 9-2 on aggregate. After beating them 5-2 in Berlin, they strolled to a 4-0 win at the Allianz Arena, which was the last time Union have lost a Bundesliga match. Robert Lewandowski scored four goals in those two games, while Kingsley Coman got two.

Betting Tip 

Despite Union Berlin’s strong start, SBOTOP odds still have Bayern Munich installed as massive 1.35 favourites away from home. Union are priced at 8.00, while a draw is 4.90.

Based on their impressive form this season coupled with their strong history against Union, it’s hard to bet against Bayern. Musiala set to return to the starting lineup, so they should regain much of the cutting edge they were missing against Gladbach.

With all the attacking weapons at Nagelsmann’s disposal, look for the champions to bounce back by claiming a comfortable win in Berlin.

 

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