Bayern Munich vs. Union Berlin preview: Reigning champions aiming to go top
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Bayern Munich
Bayern have recorded five victories in their opening six consecutive matches, with their only blip coming on Bundesliga matchday two against newly-promoted Schalke 04. They bounced back from that goalless draw with an emphatic 5-1 win over Bodø/Glimt, before they worked hard for a 2-1 victory in their first-ever competitive meeting with Elversberg last weekend.
Lennart Karl gave Bayern a narrow half-time lead at Waldstadion Kaiserlinde, only for former Bayern man Maurice Krattenmacher to reply in the opening stages of the second period. Fortunately for Vincent Kompany’s side, Harry Kane showcased his elite finishing quality with an impressive 72nd-minute winner, sealing all three points with his first Bundesliga goal of the season.
The reigning champions head into the final round of fixtures before the international window in fourth place and top points adrift of the top two, Borussia Dortmund and Freiburg. Playing first on matchday four means Bayern can move into top spot with a win against Union, a team they beat 4-0 in their most recent meeting at the Allianz Arena in March.
In fact, the hosts have won each of their last five Bundesliga home games against Union without conceding while scoring at least three goals in four of those victories. The Bavarians have also won each of their previous nine Bundesliga matches that have taken place on Friday nights.
Team News
Attacker Serge Gnabry could be given his first minutes of the season after returning to the matchday squad for the recent win over Elversberg.
Click here to see Bayern Munich's predicted lineup for this fixture.
Union Berlin
Union boss Mauro Lustrinelli has made a disappointing start to life as a Bundesliga manager, having seen his side take just one point from their opening three matches. Mauro Lustrinelli’s side started the campaign with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt before they slumped to a heavy 4-0 defeat against Bayer Leverkusen.
Die Eisernen then fell to a 3-1 defeat in their recent home clash against newly-promoted Schalke. Tim Skarke halved the deficit in the 96thminute, but any hopes of a late comeback were quashed by Maximilian Wöber’s effort in the 13th minute of stoppage time, leaving Union in the relegation playoff spot after three rounds of matches.
Union head into matchday four as one of four teams yet to win in the Bundesliga this season. They will have to produce something special to end their wait for a victory on Friday, considering the fact they have never beaten Bayern in 15 competitive meetings (W10, D5).
Team News
The visitors are unable to call upon Stanley Nsoki, Marvin Friedrich, Josip Juranović, Andrik Markgraf, Andrej Ilić and Oliver Burke.
Meanwhile, summer signing Kastriot Imeri is on the verge of making his first appearance in a matchday squad, although a late decision will be made on his availability.
