Bayern Munich vs. Union Berlin preview: It doesn’t get any bigger than this
Union travel to the Allianz Arena for a massive top of the table clash to wrap up Matchday 22. Can Die Eisernen send shockwaves through European football and climb above Bayern in this tense Bundesliga title race?
| Photo: Steffen Prößdorf, CC BY-SA 4.0 |
Bayern Munich
Bayern defeated Union in their last seven league meetings, but there is a different feeling in the air for this salivating matchup. With Dortmund’s victory over Hoffenheim, Bayern must win to keep their narrow advantage on goal difference at the top of the table.
It’s been an interesting start to the new year for the record champions who started playing better football after catching a case of the “ties”. But, following Dayot Upamecano’s early sending off last week, Bayern lost to their bogey team Gladbach which opened the door again for the chasers.
Benjamin Pavard will likely start alongside Matthijs de Ligt at the back on Sunday when Jamal Musiala celebrates his 20th birthday. Also, It’s unclear whether Serge Gnabry or Kingsley Coman have a place in the lineup with Thomas Müller coming back into the fold.
In an interview with TZ, de Ligt said, "We all know how important the (Union) game is. The last few results weren't all good, we know that, and that makes us hungrier. We want - and must - keep the three points in Munich."
Team News
Upamecano is suspended, while captain Manuel Neuer, Lucas Hernandez and Noussair Mazraoui all remain out.
Sadio Mane will be back in the squad and Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed that Müller will start. Eric Choupo-Moting and Coman were seen back in team training on Saturday and will also play.
Union Berlin
Union haven’t lost a competitive game in the new year and are looking to extend their league run to seven straight games without a defeat. The best club in the capital also still remain in three competitions following their superb 3-1 midweek win over Ajax in the Europa League.
Having easily surpassed the 40-point threshold, Urs Fischer can no longer discuss any relegation concerns. The goal is to secure a return to European football and potentially, a Bundesliga title along the way. Imagine saying that to a Union fan just a couple years ago!
On Sunday evening, Christopher Trimmel and Niko Gießelmann will likely start on the outside as Fischer continues to rotate his full-backs for seemingly every game. Winter signing Aïssa Laïdoun has settled into a starting midfield role, while Kevin Behrens should join speedster Sheraldo Becker in a front two.
In his press conference, Fischer commented, "I hope our batteries will be well recharged (after the Ajax game). We'll need to push our limits. If you look at the individuals, there's no comparison. But we have our qualities, our mental strength, our courage. I'm not worried. We have a chance tomorrow."
Team News
Union have a very healthy team with only Andras Schäfer unavailable.