Bayern München vs Union Berlin – 26/02/2023
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Bayern Munich and Union Berlin are locked on 43 points ahead of their crucial Bundesliga clash at the Allianz Arena on Sunday.
Table-topping Bayern Munich lead third-placed Union Berlin on goal difference, while Borussia Dortmund find themselves sandwiched between the two.
Can the perennial champions lay down a marker on home soil? Or will the surprise package from the capital maintain their remarkable title challenge?
Bayern Munich head into Sunday’s showdown on the back of a 3-2 defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach, with Dayot Upamecano seeing red after just eight minutes at Borussia-Park.
The Bavarians have now lost two of their 21 Bundesliga games this season, picking up 12 wins and seven draws along the way.
Bayern will be confident of bouncing back on home soil, however, having avoided defeat in each of their previous 22 matches at the Allianz Arena.
Given that Julian Nagelsmann’s side have also managed to score in each of their last 35 home encounters, the hosts shouldn’t struggle to find the net on Sunday.
As for Union Berlin, they are enjoying a hugely impressive campaign, having claimed one win more than Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.
The capital club extended their unbeaten streak in all competitions to nine games on Thursday, securing a 3-1 victory over Dutch giants Ajax in the Europa League.
Better still, Union have won five of their previous six Bundesliga clashes, although they were held to a goalless draw by bottom club Schalke 04 last weekend.
Not only have Union won their last three away league games, but they have also scored over 1.5 goals on each occasion. Naturally, that will give them confidence for the trip to Munich.
Head-to-head: Union Berlin held Bayern Munich to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture back in September, ending Bayern’s two-game winning run in this fixture.
It is worth noting that Union have failed to beat Bayern in six attempts since gaining promotion in 2020, recording three draws and three losses.
Team news: Dayot Upamecano is suspended for Bayern Munich, while Manuel Neuer and Lucas Hernandez remain long-term absentees.
Union’s Jakob Busk is a doubt for Sunday’s clash due to illness, while Andras Schafer is expected to miss the game with a foot injury.
It is no secret that Bayern Munich rarely drop points on home soil. However, Union Berlin look set to frustrate their title rivals this weekend.
Forebet predicts that Bayern Munich and Union Berlin will play out a thrilling high-scoring draw, with both teams netting over 1.5 goals.
