Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to extend on their stellar Bundesliga flurry, RB Leipzig will travel to the German capital on Friday night when they meet Union Berlin.
Union Berlin
Starting with the hosts, while Union Berlin might have marked their return from November’s international break with a much-welcomed 1-0 victory away at St. Pauli, the Irons Ones have once again drastically failed to find any kind of stability this season. With many in Steffen Baumgart’s camp looking over their shoulder at a looming relegation scrap, the former Hamburger boss appears to have a real job on his hands in the capital. Last seen putting in another downbeat display as they slumped to a 3-1 defeat away at Wolfsburg, Berlin have also lost all of their previous three consecutive domestic appearances by an aggregate score of 8-4. Watching their DFP Pokal adventure come to an end earlier in the month as they eventually fell to a 3-2 loss at home against Bayern Munich, Baumgart’s side have also shown some worrying defensive issues on either side of November’s fortnight interval.
Union Berlin Team News
Not featuring since the middle of September, former Hoffenheim striker Robert Skov remains on the sidelines with a muscle issue. However, serving a Bundesliga suspension last weekend, one-time RB Leipzig midfielder Rani Khedira will return to Baumgart’s squad here.
While Oliver Burke might have failed to find the net since way back on September 21st, the Scotland international could be handed a full recall. Bagging a consolation strike on what was his first Bundesliga start of the season last week, ex-PSG defender Stanley Nsoki will keep his spot at the back.
RB Leipzig
As for the visitors, putting in what was a sensational performance last week as they stormed their way to a 6-0 romp at home against Eintracht Frankfurt, RB Leipzig will be looking to make another heavyweight statement here. Only continuing to shine since opening up the 2025/26 campaign, the Red Bulls open this weekend’s fixtures sat in silver medal position and are pencilled in as a landslide contender to book a Champions League return. Marking their respective return from November’s international break with a routine 2-0 win against Werder Bremen, the mood in Ole Werner’s camp appears to be at a red-hot high. Extending on their DFP Pokal charge earlier in the month as they clinched a 3-1 victory against Magdeburg, RB Leipzig have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 14 appearances across all competitions.
RB Leipzig Team News
Not featuring since September and expected to compete a January move away from the Red Bull Arena, former Chelsea striker Timo Werner will once again miss out here. Likewise, all still dealing with respective injury issues, Leipzig will also be without the likes of Ridle Baku, Viggo Gebel and former Monaco defender Benjamin Henrichs.
Bagging a stunning Bundesliga hat-trick against Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend, 19-year-old Yan Diomande will spearhead Leipzig’s attack. Completing a loan switch from Aston Villa over the summer, Kosta Nedeljkovic will start at right-back.
Union Berlin vs RB Leipzig Key Factors to Consider
- Both of Union Berlin and RB Leipzig’s Bundesliga showdowns last season finish in a 0-0 stalemate.
- RB Leipzig have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 14 appearances across all competitions.
- Notching 28 Bundesliga strikes so far this season, only runaway leaders Bayern Munich (49) have recorded more top-flight goals.
- Union Berlin have lost each of their previous three domestic appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 8-4.
- Friday’s hosts have shipped seven goals in their last three showdowns in the capital.
Conclusion
While both of their Bundesliga meetings last season might have finished in a 0-0 stalemate, we are expecting what should be a far more enjoyable contest here. Watching RB Leipzig produce a sensational performance last weekend as they stormed their way to a 6-0 romp against Eintracht Frankfurt, Friday’s guests have embarked on a real domestic purple patch. Suffering just a single defeat from any of their last 14 appearances across all competitions, the Red Bulls will meet a Union Berlin defence who have continued to show some real defensive issues.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
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