Bayern Munich vs. Union Berlin preview: Bjelica makes Bundesliga bow
Union boss Nenad Bjelica will take charge of his first Bundesliga game when his side face champions Bayern Munich on Saturday.
Bayern Munich
Although they are yet to lose a league game this season, Bayern head into the weekend in second place and two points adrift of leaders Bayer Leverkusen. In their most recent league outing, the Bavarians claimed a narrow 1-0 away victory over Köln thanks to Harry Kane’s 20th-minute effort. As a result, Bayern have now kept four clean sheets in their last six league matches.
They went on to record another shutout in their midweek, as they played out a goalless draw with Danish champions FC Copenhagen. Thomas Tuchel’s side will now turn their attention back to Saturday’s league contest, where they have the chance to move to the top of the table, with Leverkusen set to face Borussia Dortmund on Sunday.
Bayern have won their last four Bundesliga home games, scoring 22 goals and only conceding twice in that period. They will also be encouraged by the fact they have won their last two home matches against Union by a combined 7-0 scoreline.
Team News
The hosts are unable to call upon Matthijs De Ligt and Tarek Buchmann due to knee and thigh injuries respectively.
Union Berlin
After being appointed as Fischer’s successor, Nenad Bjelica began his tenure with a 1-1 draw against 10-man Braga in Wednesday’s Champions League clash – a result which extended the club’s winless run to 16 games in all competitions. Union, who were already eliminated from the competition, now have their work cut out to secure a place in the Europa League play-off round with two points separating them from third position.
Although they will want to prolong their European journey, their main focus will be on preserving their Bundesliga status. They are currently languishing in 17th place with two points separating them from safety.
After losing each of their last five Bundesliga away games, the visitors certainly have their work cut out to trouble their hosts on Saturday. Having drawn five and lost three of their eight head-to-head meetings, Union are still searching for their first competitive win over Bayern.
Team News
The visitors are without Danilho Doekhi and Sheraldo Becker due to injury.