Union Berlin vs. Bayern Munich preview: Champions League semi-finalists return to league action

Union Berlin

Union have failed to win their last three matches since beating Werder Bremen 2-1 last month. Nenad Bjelica’s side played out a goalless draw with Eintracht Frankfurt before losing 1-0 to Bayer Leverkusen. Union were unable to take anything from last Friday’s away game against Augsburg, falling to a 2-0 defeat following goals from Phillip Tietz and Sven Michel.

Having drawn a blank in their last three games, Union have now failed to score in five of their previous six matches. As a result of their struggles in the final third, die Eisernen are sitting in 13th place and just three points above the relegation playoff spot. 

They will be well aware of the tough test that awaits this weekend after failing to win any of their nine Bundesliga matches against Bayern. However, the hosts may be able to take confidence from the fact they held Bayern to a 1-1 draw in last season’s meeting at Stadion An der Alten Försterei.

Team News

The hosts are unable to call upon Jacob Busk, while Rani Khedira is a doubt for Saturday's contest.

Bayern Munich

Despite beating Köln 2-0 last Saturday, Bayern’s weekend ultimately ended in disappointment. Bayer Leverkusen went on to thrash Werder Bremen 5-0 on Friday to clinch the title after 11 seasons of Bayern dominance. The Bavarians may no longer be German champions, but they are still in the hunt for European glory after experiencing a successful midweek outing against Arsenal.

Joshua Kimmich’s 63rd-minute header proved enough to guide Thomas Tuchel’s side to a narrow 1-0 win in the second leg at the Allianz Arena. After beating Arsenal 2-1 on aggregate, Bayern can now look forward to a semi-final clash against record European champions Real Madrid. 

However, before they play host to Los Blancos on April 30, Bayern must negotiate two league games against Union and Eintracht Frankfurt. With the Bavarians level on points with third-placed Stuttgart, they still have work to do to secure a runners-up finish in the Bundesliga this season.

The visitors have struggled in recent road trips, having won just one of their previous five away league games in the top flight. Tuchel will want to see his side produce a strong defensive display after shipping at least two goals in each of their previous six Bundesliga away matches.

Team News

Tuchel has revealed that Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane are set to miss out due to their respective fitness issues. The Bavarians are also unable to call upon Sacha Boey, Kingsley Coman, Tarek Buchmann, Bouna Sarr and Gabriel Marusic.