Prediction: Union Berlin vs Borussia Dortmund

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Dachbet

In what looks set to be an action-packed Bundesliga showdown on Saturday afternoon, Borussia Dortmund will make the trip to Union Berlin.

Union Berlin

Starting with the hosts, while Union Berlin might have been disappointed last weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 2-2 stalemate against Heidenheim, the Iron Ones do appear to have turned a recent corner. Losing just one of their previous six Bundesliga appearances and skyrocketing themselves away from a looming relegation scrap in 2024, Nenad Bjelica’s side will be desperate to make a real statement here. With their recent success underlined by a 1-0 victory against Wolfsburg on February 10th, Berlin will also be excited by their continued success on home soil. In fact, along with not suffering a single Bundesliga defeat at the Stadion An der Alten Forsterei since returning from November’s international break, Saturday’s hosts have also collected 13 points from their previous five showdowns in front of their own supporters.

Team News

After serving one-match suspension against Heidenheim last weekend, former Bayer Leverkusen star Kevin Volland could make a full return here. Ahead of Saturday’s showdown, Union Berlin have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns to worry about.

Although summer recruit Benedict Hollerbach might have notched just a single Bundesliga strike since opening the New Year, the 22-year-old will spearhead Berlin’s charge here. Making a season-long loan switch from Leeds over the summer, USA international Brenden Aaronson should once again partner Hollerbach in the final third.

Borussia Dortmund

As for the visitors, while Borussia Dortmund might have opened up the 2023/24 campaign with their sights set on mounting another title charge, Edin Terzic’s side have struggled to find any kind of stability. Last seen putting in another downbeat display as they slumped to an action-packed 3-2 loss at home against Hoffenheim, the one-time West Ham coach has found some mounting pressure on his shoulders. Although the German giants might have opened their Champions League knockout stage adventure with a 1-1 stalemate away at Dutch outfit PSV on February 20th, BVB have recorded just a single win from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Opening this weekend’s fixtures holding just a single-point buffer from dropping out of the top-four chase, Terzic’s men have also collected just a pair of Bundesliga victories away from Signal Iduna Park since the end of September.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term hip issue and not making a single appearance since the start of November, former Manchester City starlet Felix Nmecha will once again miss out here. Likewise, sustaining an ankle issue last month, Ivory Coast international Sebastian Haller is once again seen as a real doubt on Saturday afternoon.

Once again finding the net against Hoffenheim last week and now bagging six goals in as many appearances across all competitions, 25-year-old Donyell Malen will have a leading role to play. Former Bayern Munich ace Marcel Sabitzer will be partnered with Julian Brandt in the middle of the park.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Union Berlin and Borussia Dortmund met for their reverse Bundesliga showdown on October 7th, BVB claimed a 4-2 victory on home soil.
• However, Dortmund have recorded just a pair of Bundesliga victories away from Signal Iduna Park since the end of September.
• Union Berlin have collected 13 points from their last five Bundesliga appearances at the Stadion An der Alten Forsterei.
• Dutch international Donyell Malen has registered six goals in as many appearances across all competitions.
• Dortmund’s previous three appearances have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

While Borussia Dortmund might open Saturday’s showdown tipped as a standout contender with the bookmakers, Terzic’s squad could face a real challenge here. With Union Berlin collecting 13 points from their previous five Bundesliga appearances on home soil, neutrals could be treated to a thrilling affair this weekend. With BVB continuing to show some domestic issues away from Signal Iduna Park this season, we are expecting chances to come thick and fast in the capital.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Dachbet