Prediction: Borussia Dortmund vs Union Berlin

Verdict: Borussia Dortmund win

Best Odds: 5/8

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to make up some ground in the Bundesliga title chase on Saturday afternoon, Borussia Dortmund will welcome Union Berlin to rural Germany.

Borussia Dortmund

Starting with the hosts, eventually forced to settle for a 0-0 stalemate at home against AC Milan earlier in the week, Borussia Dortmund know that they face a real challenge in their bid to punch a Champions League knockout stage ticket. However, while the German giants might still be trying to find some stability on the European stage, Edin Terzic’s side are enjoying a real Bundesliga flurry since returning from September’s international break. Last seen in top-flight action claiming a thumping 3-1 victory away at Hoffenheim, the one-time West Ham coach has seen his squad win each of their last three Bundesliga appearances. With their recent turn in domestic fortunes highlighted by a gritty 1-0 win against European dreamers Wolfsburg last month, BVB will now have their sights firmly set on making up some ground in the title chase this weekend.

Team News

Once again missing out against AC Milan earlier in the week after suffering a recent groin injury, Dortmund are expected to be without ex-Bayern Munich star Marcel Sabitzer on Saturday afternoon.

While Germany international Niclas Fullkrug might have notched just a single strike since making the move from Werder Bremen this summer, the 30-year-old is expected to spearhead BVB’s charge this weekend. Finding the net in each of his previous three Bundesliga outings, attacking talisman Marco Reus will have a key role to play here.

Union Berlin

As for the visitors, while Union Berlin might have gained a string of plaudits last season as they claimed a famous Champions League ticket, Urs Fischer’s side have come crashing back down to earth in a spectacular fashion. Suffering an infamous European collapse on home soil earlier in the week as they eventually fell to a 3-2 loss at the hands of Braga, the Irons Ones have continued to show a host of issues on either side of September’s international break. Last seen in Bundesliga action getting hit with a 1-0 defeat away at Heidenheim, Fischer certainly finds mounting pressure on his shoulders. In fact, along with marking their return from the fortnight interval with a 2-1 loss against Wolfsburg on September 17th, Union Berlin have lost each of their last six appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to August 26th.

Team News

All still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Union Berlin will once again be without the duo of Andras Schafer, Rani Khedira and 21-year-old Laurenz Dehl. Likewise, Fischer’s side are still sweating over the fitness of former Wolfsburg defender Robin Knoche.

Bagging a first-half brace in that Champions League collapse against Braga in midweek, Sheraldo Becker will spearhead Berlin’s attack on Saturday afternoon. After serving a recent suspension, Germany international Kevin Volland could be handed a full recall here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Borussia Dortmund and Union Berlin last met back on April 8th, Saturday’s hosts picked up a 2-1 victory on home soil.
• Likewise, BVB have won four of their previous five meetings against the Irons Ones.
• Germany international Marco Reus has found the net in each of his last three Bundesliga appearances.
• Including their Champions League collapse in midweek, Union Berlin have lost each of their previous six appearances across all fronts.
• Borussia Dortmund have won their previous three Bundesliga appearances by an aggregate score of 8-3.

Conclusion

Excited to turn their attention back to Bundesliga duties this weekend, Borussia Dortmund should be smelling the chance to lay down a marker here. Winning each of their previous three top-flight appearances by an aggregate score of 8-3, Saturday’s hosts will be desperate to make up some ground in the title chase. Watching Union Berlin suffer an infamous Champions League collapse at the hands of Braga in midweek, the Iron Ones are in the midst of a public crisis. Losing each of their last six straight outings across all formats, we are backing a home victory in rural Germany.

Verdict: Borussia Dortmund win

Best Odds: 5/8

Bookmaker: Luckster