Bundesliga | Gameweek 20

Feb 1, 2025 at 5.30pm UK

Stadion An der Alten Forsterei

Union Berlin vs RB Leipzig

Match preview

Union will feel that they could have done better to defend against St Pauli's three goals, given that all three were from difficult angles and totalled just 0.34 xG.

Steffen Baumgart's side are six points clear of 16th-placed Heidenheim, who occupy the relegation play-off spot, but they have crucial games against relegation-threatened Hoffenheim and Holstein Kiel in their next five matches.

The Eisernen have scored just 16 times in the Bundesliga this term - the worst return in the top flight - and their lack of goalscoring prowess was on display in their last meeting with RB Leipzig, a 0-0 draw on 14 September.

Baumgart will be alarmed by his side's defensive frailty of late, with 12 goals conceded in their last four matches, three of which they lost.

While Union beat Mainz 2-1 in their last home game on 19 January, they had failed to win in their previous five games at the Stadion An der Alten Forsterei, losing twice in that time.

Against Leverkusen, Leipzig had to endure periods of intense pressure as the reigning champions hit the woodwork on three occasions and created four good chances before an own goal in the 85th minute earned them a 2-2 draw.

Marco Rose is the only manager in the Bundesliga to have beaten Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen since the start of the 2023-24 season, and the achievement of taking four points from them should not be underestimated.

Die Roten Bullen ended their miserable Champions League campaign in 32nd place on Wednesday night, with a 1-0 loss to Sturm Graz compounding their earlier elimination from the tournament.

Leipzig have struggled defensively for some time now, conceding 20 goals in their last nine matches, including 14 in their last five in the Bundesliga.

Rose's men are not in great form, having lost two, drawn two and won just one of their last five games, and have failed to win in any of their last three top-flight fixtures.

The visitors' away record is also worrying, with seven defeats and just one win in their last nine away games.

Team News

Although Union will be without suspended centre-back Leopold Querfeld and injured striker Andrej Ilic, the duo are the hosts' only confirmed absentees.

Danilho Doekhi, Kevin Vogt and Diogo Leite are all regulars at the back and could be called upon to protect goalkeeper Frederik Ronnow.

Jordan Siebatcheu and Benedict Hollerbach could start up front, with wing-backs Josip Juranovic and Robert Skov likely to provide support.

Leipzig are struggling with injuries to midfielders Forzan Assan Ouedraogo, Kevin Kampl and Xaver Schlager, so expect Arthur Vermeeren and Amadou Haidara to partner each other in the middle of the park.

Full-back Benjamin Henrichs has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an Achilles tendon injury, and his absence could mean that David Raum and Lukas Klosterman get the nod in a back four.

Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda are almost certain to start in a back-two, especially with striker Andre Silva sidelined by injury.

Possible starting lineup

Union Berlin possible starting lineup:

Ronnow; Doekhi, Vogt, Leite; Juranovic, Haberer, Khedira, Kemlein, Skov; Jordan, Hollerbach

RB Leipzig possible starting lineup:

Gulacsi; Klostermann, Orban, Bitshiabu, Raum; Nusa, Vermeeren, Haidara, Simons; Openda, Sesko