Bayern vs Union Berlin Prediction: Bayern Munich faces Union Berlin at the Allianz Arena this Saturday, November 2, 2024, in a much-anticipated Bundesliga showdown. Bayern looks to retain their top position in the league standings, while Union Berlin aims to pull off an upset despite recent challenges with injuries. Here’s everything you need to know, including team news, predicted lineups, and head-to-head stats.

Team News

Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich will see some rotation in their lineup due to injuries. Recent summer signing Hiroki Ito is close to returning after a broken foot, but it’s uncertain if he’ll be included in the matchday squad. Right-back Sacha Boey is sidelined with a knee injury and is expected to be out until mid-November. Aleksandar Pavlovic suffered a broken collarbone and will be unavailable for the coming weeks, while Josip Stanisic is out until late November due to a knee ligament injury.

This means that Bayern’s defensive lineup could feature Raphael Guerreiro, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, and Alphonso Davies. In the midfield, Joshua Kimmich may be paired with Joao Palhinha in a double pivot. Serge Gnabry and Michael Olise are likely to support Harry Kane up front, with Jamal Musiala playing a central role.

Bayern Munich Predicted XI:

Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Neuer
Defenders: Guerreiro, Upamecano, Kim, Davies
Midfielders: Kimmich, Palhinha; Olise, Musiala, Gnabry
Forward: Kane

Union Berlin

Union Berlin faces its own injury issues ahead of the clash. Forward Ivan Prtajin and goalkeeper Yannic Stein are both out until mid-November, meaning Frederik Ronnow is expected to start in goal. With right-back Josip Juranovic likely to miss out due to injury, Union’s backline may include Danilho Doekhi, Kevin Vogt, and Diogo Leite as a solid three-man defense.

In the midfield, Lucas Tousart’s absence creates a gap that could be filled by Aljoscha Kemlein and Rani Khedira as a central partnership. In attack, Benedict Hollerbach may step in to lead, with Jeong Woo-yeong and Yorbe Vertessen providing support.

Union Berlin Predicted XI:

Formation: 3-4-3
Goalkeeper: Ronnow
Defenders: Doekhi, Vogt, Leite
Midfielders: Trimmel, Kemlein, Khedira, Rothe
Forwards: Jeong, Hollerbach, Vertessen

Head-to-Head Record

Bayern Munich has a strong recent record against Union Berlin, having dominated their last five encounters. Here’s a look at their recent match history:

• April 20, 2024: Union Berlin 1-5 Bayern Munich (Bundesliga)
• January 25, 2024: Bayern Munich 1-0 Union Berlin (Bundesliga)
• February 26, 2023: Bayern Munich 3-0 Union Berlin (Bundesliga)
• September 3, 2022: Union Berlin 1-1 Bayern Munich (Bundesliga)
• March 19, 2022: Bayern Munich 4-0 Union Berlin (Bundesliga)

Bayern has taken four wins and a draw in these encounters, scoring consistently while maintaining a solid defense. Union Berlin has struggled to break through Bayern’s backline, which could prove challenging again this weekend given Bayern’s form.

Match Prediction

Bayern Munich comes into this fixture as the clear favorite, especially with the home advantage and their recent form. Their depth in attack, led by Harry Kane, will likely prove too strong for Union Berlin’s defense, which has shown signs of vulnerability. Union Berlin will aim to tighten their defensive structure and capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities, but Bayern’s well-rounded squad gives them the edge.

Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-1 Union Berlin