Union Berlin vs Bayern Munich
German Bundesliga, KO: 17:00 May 17, 2020, Stadion An der Alten Forsterei
BAYERN Munich find themselves in familiar territory at the top of the Bundesliga, but their slow start to the season has set up a fiercely competitive title race where only eight points separate the top-five teams in the German top-flight.
Indeed, Bayern have been breathtaking on the continent this term, however, the Bavarians record-breaking European campaign was not enough to prevent the axe falling on former boss Niko Kovac who was replaced by assistant Hansi Flick last November.
Flick has steadied the ship at the Allianz Arena by leading Die Roten back to the summit and he has subsequently been named as the Bayern Munich head coach on a permanent basis.
However, with Borussia Dortmund hot on their heels, Bayern can ill-afford a slip up in their quest for an eighth successive league title when they travel to eleventh-placed Union Berlin on Sunday evening.
The capital club have adapted admirably to life in the Bundesliga – Urs Fischer's side currently occupy a place in mid-table and they look well equipped to beat the drop in their maiden season in the German top-flight.
The Iron Union performed courageously when falling to a 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture back in October and the hosts will be eyeing their biggest scalp to date when they welcome star-studded Bayern Munich to Berlin this weekend.
The Betting Odds
Union Berlin are big outsiders at a whopping 14/1 with William Hill, while a draw is also deemed unlikely at 11/2 with the same firm.
Bayern Munich have triumphed in 10 of their 11 last Bundesliga outings and the German giants are huge favourites at 1/5 with Bet 365 to collect all three points in the German capital.
The Betting Angles
The bookmaker's prices for this match unsurprisingly suggest that this will be a one-sided affair and as such punters will have to dig deep to try and come up with some value.
Although I fully expect Bayern Munich to continue their charge towards another league crown, I do fancy Union to pose their superior opponents with some problems given that the Berlin outfit have scored in 10 of their 12 home assignments this term.
With that in mind, having a punt on both teams to score appeals at 19/20 (PaddyPower), however, I'm going to take a more conservative approach by simply backing Fischer's side to strike at an eye-catching Evens (Coral)
Indeed, Bayern will enjoy the lion's share of possession, however, given the visitor's backline has been breached in seven of their last 10 Bundesliga road trips, coupled with the attacking threat that the hosts carry from set-pieces, I fancy Union to hit the back of the net on Sunday.
However, at the other end of the park, the Berlin backline will be kept busy when trying to shut out red-hot Bayern who are set to welcome back talisman Robert Lewandowski from injury.
The Munich goal-machine has racked up an eye-popping 43 goals for club and country this term and that is reflected in the 6/4 (Bet 365) on offer for Lewandoski to score first and the 4/9 (William Hill) that is available for the prolific Pole to net anytime.
Whether or not Lewandowski picks up where he left off remains to be seen, however, it’s almost inconceivable to see Bayern failing to get on the scoresheet on Sunday.
There is no value in backing an away success at 1/5 (Bet 365) and a Bayern win with over 1.5 match goals also looks too short at 1/3 with the same firm, however, an alternative angle that I like the look of is to combine two or more match goals with two or more Union Berlin cards which pays 20/23 with Bet 365.
Bayern have banged in 49 goals in their last 15 outings across all competitions, however, they will be coming up against a Union side who are proving to be less than accommodating hosts in the German capital.
Union rarely fail to find the net in their own manor, not to mention they are a hard-working outfit who are averaging over two cards per game this season- all of which adds to the appeal of siding with the aforementioned combination when they come up against the reigning champions.
Probable line-ups
Union: Gikiewicz – Hübner, Schlotterbeck, Subotic – Trimmel (c), Gentner, Andrich, Lenz – Ingvartsen, Bülter – Andersson
Out: Becker (thigh), Friedrich (suspended), Gogia (match fitness), Malli (match fitness)
Coach: Urs Fischer
Bayern: Neuer (c) – Pavard, Boateng, Alaba, Davies – Kimmich, Thiago – Gnabry, Müller, Coman – Lewandowski
Out: Coutinho (ankle), Süle (match fitness), Tolisso (ankle)
Coach: Hansi Flick
This German Bundesliga match between Union Berlin and Bayern Munich will be played on May 17, 2020 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best Union Berlin vs Bayern Munich prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
