RB Leipzig – Union Berlin : Preview & Prediction
The two teams looking to end Bayern Munich’s absolute domination of German soccer increased the pressure on the Bavarian side last weekend. Positive results for both RB Leipzig and Union Berlin contributed to the smallest gap between first and sixth at this stage of the three points per win era, meaning this primetime clash could well prove pivotal at the end of the campaign.
Leipzig are on their longest unbeaten run in competitive matches since being part of the Bundesliga (G14,E4) and have won all but one of their historic home games against this opponent, now they will be looking to achieve a new record. The possible absence of captain Willi Orbán due to a stem cell donation is a blow to their back line, but the Hungarian has given someone a “second chance at life” according to Leipzig, a statement that puts this match in another perspective.
A 2-1 win over Mainz last time out moved Union to within a point of Bayern Munich and set a new club record for consecutive top-flight wins in the process (G4). Coach Urs Fischer is still talking about avoiding relegation, but a possible Champions League appearance seems more likely in what is incredibly his fourth season in the top flight.
To quantify the likelihood of the capital outfit qualifying for Europe’s top club competition, it is a high 85% when you consider that 11 of the previous 13 teams with 39 points at this stage finished in the top four. The Iron Ones’ ability to overcome adversity has been one of their greatest assets this season, with three wins in seven Bundesliga matches when conceding the first goal (G3, P4), giving them an average of 1.29 points per clash in such matches – the highest figure in the Bundesliga.
Players to watch: Leipzig’s Timo Werner will be looking to make it three wins in a row against Union after scoring three goals in the two clashes against this opponent in the 2019/20 season before leaving for England. Another player relishing this particular clash is Union’s Kevin Behrens, who has already doubled his goal tally from last season (G4) and has never lost to Leipzig in the league (G3).
Key stat: Prior to this matchday, both Leipzig and Union have scored 11 goals each from the 75th minute onwards – that’s the second-best record in the entire league.
RB Leipzig – Union Berlin : Betting Tips
RB Leipzig – Win Odds: 1.85
