September 01, 2023 11:24 PM
Alex Sarwar

Union Berlin vs RB Leipzig Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 German Bundesliga

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

THE FACTS

When is Union Berlin vs RB Leipzig on and what time does it start? Union Berlin vs RB Leipzig will take place on Sunday 3rd September, 2023 – 16:30 (UK)

Where can I get tickets for Union Berlin vs RB Leipzig? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information

What channel is Union Berlin vs RB Leipzig on in the UK? Sky Sports have the rights to German Bundesliga matches in the UK so it is worth checking their schedule for Union Berlin vs RB Leipzig

Where can I stream Union Berlin vs RB Leipzig in the UK? If televised on Sky Sports, Union Berlin vs RB Leipzigcan be streamed live on the Sky Go app

THE LOWDOWN

UNION BERLIN

Union Berlin made it consecutive victories by a scoreline of four goals to one to go top of the Bundesliga after two rounds of fixtures. Having said that, they are expected to kick off here having been knocked off the summit of the table with this match being the final one of round three to take place

Urs Fischer’s side overcame Darmstadt last time out despite having Brenden Aaronson sent off after just 21 minutes, a testament to their quality. They have since added further to an already stacked squad, signing Italian legend Leonardo Bonucci from Juventus. The 36-year-old centre-back and Italy national captain has signed a one-year-deal in what will be his final season as a professional player before retirement.

RB LEIPZIG

After being beaten by Bayer Leverkusen in an enthralling match to start the new Bundesliga campaign, many expected RB Leipzig to hit back at the first time of asking. They certainly did so against Stuttgart, but it took them until the second half to hit their stride, after going in at half-time a goal down.

No doubt head coach Marco Rose had strong words to say at the break, as RB Leipzig emerged a different team in the second half. Stuttgart could not handle their attacking efficiency and the hosts were clinical in front of goal. RB Leipzig reeled off five goals without reply, recording a resounding triumph and getting their league campaign firmly up and running.

THE TEAM NEWS

UNION BERLIN

Aaronson’s red card last weekend sees him suspended here. Central midfielders Sami Khedira and Andras Schafer are both out with calf and foot injuries respectively and there are doubts over Danilho Doekhi and Janik Haberer. Sheraldo Becker came on as a sub against Darmstadt, but injury forced him back off and rules him out of this one.

PREDICTED XI (3-4-3): Ronnow; Doekhi, Knoche, Leite; Juranovic, Laidouni, Kral, Gosens; Fofana, Behrens, Volland

UNAVAILABLE: Aaronson (Suspended), Becker (Injured), Dehl (Injured), Khedira (Injured), Schafer (Injured), Tousart (Injured)

QUESTIONABLE: Doekhi (Injured), Haberer (Injured)

RB LEIPZIG

Goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi continues his rehabilitation from a long-term knee injury, whilst Amadou Haidara is also unavailable, the central midfielder is yet to feature this season due to a calf injury. Marco Rose could name an unchanged XI from the win over Stuttgart, although Timo Werner may come back into the side in place of Yussuf Poulsen.

PREDICTED XI (4-2-2-2): Blaswich; Henrichs, Simakan, Orban, Raum; Kampl, Schlager; Simons Olmo; Openda, Werner

UNAVAILABLE: Gulacsi (Injured), Haidara (Injured)

QUESTIONABLE:

THE PREDICTION

Two of the highest scorers in this season’s Bundesliga so far are coming face-to-face, with Union Berlin having racked up four goals in consecutive league games, one more goal than RB Leipzig’s total tally of seven, which is only matched by Bayern Munich going into the weekend. Although this should be a tighter affair than you would expect in a match featuring two strong offensive units, the quality of players going forward on each side should ensure plenty of significant chances created at either end of the pitch. The outcome of the contest itself could go either way, so backing both teams to score has to be favoured.

TIP: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE

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