Bayern Munich will be hoping to return to their ruthlessly efficient best when they host Union Berlin in the Bundesliga on Saturday afternoon.
After edging past FC Koln 1-0 amid a fairly dominant display, Thomas Tuchel's side were understandably flat in midweek as they were held at home by FC Copenhagen.
Bayern, though, have enjoyed a fine start to the 2023/24 campaign having progressed into Champions League as group winners all while remaining unbeaten in the Bundesliga. Bayer Leverkusen remain the pace-setters at the summit, however.
On the contrary, Union Berlin have embarked on a nightmare after their remarkable rise culminated in Champions League qualification last season. A dreadful run saw the seemingly unsackable Urs Fischer lose his job before the November international break, and they currently sit second bottom in the table having amassed just seven points from 12 games.
Here's 90min's preview of Bayern's upcoming Bundesliga fixture.
When does Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin kick-off?
- Location: Munich, Germany
- Stadium: Allianz Arena
- Date: Saturday 2 December
- Kick-off Time: 14:30 GMT / 09:30 ET / 06:30 PT
- Referee: TBC
- VAR: TBC
Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin H2H record (last five games)
- Bayern Munich: 3 wins
- Union Berlin: 0 wins
- Draws: 2
- Last meeting: Bayern Munich 3-0 Union Berlin (Bundesliga) - 26 February 2023
Current form (all competitions)
- Bayern Munich: WWWWD
- Union Berlin: LDLDD
How to watch Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin on TV and live stream
Bayern Munich team news
Tuchel dabbled with his squad in midweek as Leon Goretzka was deployed at centre-back, while Raphael Guerreiro partnered Joshua Kimmich in midfield. Normality should return at the weekend.
Kim Min-jae will partner Dayot Upamecano at the back despite missing the Copenhagen draw due to a hip problem.
There are doubts over Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting's knee which means Thomas Muller could start again, although Jamal Musiala is closing in on a return. Matthijs de Ligt won't feature again until the new year.
Bayern Munich predicted lineup vs Union Berlin
Bayern predicted lineup vs Union (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Mazraoui, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka; Sane, Muller, Gnabry; Kane.
Union Berlin team news
Nenad Bjelica has changed tack since Fischer's exit, switching to a back four and deploying just one up top.
Saturday's visitors don't have too many injury concerns and could welcome Sheraldo Becker back to the fold following a brief absence. The striker, though, is unlikely to start. Danilho Doekhi is also a doubt.
Chelsea loanee David Dietro Fofana could lead Union's line, but Bjelica is unlikely to make too many changes from Wednesday's draw with Braga.
Union Berlin predicted lineup vs Bayern Munich
Union Berlin predicted lineup vs Bayern (4-1-4-1): Ronnow; Juranovic, Knoche, Leite, Roussillon; Khedira; Volland, Tousart, Laidouni, Gosens; Fofana.
Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin score prediction
Bayern hardly exerted themselves in midweek, while Union fought hard away in Portugal. Their overseas travels won't exactly help the visitors, who scored their first goal at home in months last weekend.
Union's spirit can never be doubted, but can they really go into the Allianz and walk away with anything but a thrashing? Bayer Leverkusen made light work of the Berliners before the break and Bayern will likely enjoy a similar outing on Saturday.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-0 Union Berlin
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This article was originally published on 90min as Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin - Bundesliga: TV channel, team news, lineups and prediction.