Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin

Bayern Munich and Union Berlin are set to face each other in a top-table Bundesliga six-pointer at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann has come under heavy scrutiny after his men picked up just two wins in six Bundesliga outings in 2023 (D3, L1), especially following last weekend’s 3-2 defeat at Borussia Monchengladbach. Left to lick their wounds amid the club’s worst wins tally after 21 Bundesliga matches since 2011/12 (12), the ‘Bavarians’ come into proceedings looking to solidify their pursuit of an 11th straight Bundesliga title. Level on points with third-placed Union Berlin at the start of this round, Bayern will draw confidence from a 100% unbeaten ratio across seven previous top-flight H2Hs (W4, D3). Yet, the reverse fixture yielded a 1-1 stalemate, the same scoreline that has settled two of Bayern’s three home league outings in 2023 (W1).

On the other hand, unfazed by last weekend’s tepid 0-0 home draw against rock-bottom Schalke 04, Union Berlin thrashed Ajax 3-1 in midweek Europa League action to reach the competition’s round of 16. Urs Fischer’s men have enjoyed an incredible start to the new calendar year, going unbeaten in all nine competitive matches (W7, D2), including five wins in six Bundesliga games. Indeed, the visitors have won their last three away league outings in a row, including a come-from-behind 2-1 triumph at RB Leipzig on their most recent top-flight travel, scoring multiple goals on each occasion. Another success in Munich would see Union Berlin register four consecutive Bundesliga wins on the road for the first time in the club’s history, so motivation shouldn’t be lacking.