Union Berlin will face RB Leipzig on February 1, 2025, at 12:30 PM ET, at their home ground, An der Alten Försterei. This matchup, part of matchday 20 of the Bundesliga, carries significant weight for both teams.
Union Berlin, currently stuck at the 14th position on the league table, finds itself under considerable pressure after narrowly escaping relegation last season. With only 20 points accumulated over 19 matches, their last outing resulted in a disappointing 3-0 loss against FC St. Pauli. This defeat marked their eighth loss out of the last twelve Bundesliga games, showcasing the team’s struggles to find form. They have only managed to score 16 goals this season, the lowest across the league, and have failed to find the net on eight occasions. Their conversion rate of just 9.1 percent is woefully inadequate for top-flight football.
RB Leipzig, on the other hand, is grappling with its own set of challenges. After enduring a disheartening exit from the Champions League, where they finished 32nd out of 36 teams, the pressure is mounting on head coach Marco Rose. Despite competing effectively within the Bundesliga, Leipzig sits outside the top four purely on goal difference, calling for urgent improvement to secure next season’s Champions League qualification. Their recent form is less than impressive, with only one win from their last five Bundesliga outings, including defeats to formidable opponents like Sturm Graz.
Before the match, Union will need to address several injury concerns, with players like Ilic and Ogbemudia sidelined due to injuries. Josip Juranovic is expected to debut against Leipzig, featuring possibly as a right wing-back. Meanwhile, the strike partnership is likely to include the likes of Jordan and Benedict Hollerbach, aiming to bolster their attacking threat as Union seeks to improve upon its lackluster scoring record.
For RB Leipzig, the lineup will miss key players due to injuries, with Kevin Kampl and Benjamin Henrichs out. Leipzig is expected to utilize its attacking talents, featuring the likes of Lois Openda and Benjamin Šeško, who have been instrumental to their campaign, contributing significantly to the team's goal tally this season.
For betting enthusiasts, several players are attracting attention for their potential to score. Andras Schafer of Union Berlin has odds of +475 to score, showcasing the skepticism surrounding his team’s offensive capabilities. Kevin Vogt and Robert Skov both sit at +575 odds, reflecting the general uncertainty about which players may rise to the occasion. With Union Berlin's current lack of form, the pressure is on these players to deliver and prove their worth against RB Leipzig.
Analyzing player statistics reveals the urgent need for improvement on Union's part. Schafer has displayed minimal scoring potential with only 0.3 shots per match this season. Vogt, with just one goal to his name, underlines the team's struggle to convert chances, evidenced by their top-heavy discrepancy with shots versus goals scored.
On the other side, RB Leipzig boasts more reassuring statistics, with 34 goals scored this season. The team's ability to convert chances remains strong, and they will look to leverage their attacking prowess against Union Berlin's shaky defense, having conceded 27 goals this season.
This matchup also highlights competitive elements, with Union having previously defeated Mainz, demonstrating their capacity to surprise under pressure. Manager Steffen Baumgart will be counting on this performance boost to inspire his players against Leipzig.
The overall prediction for the match leans toward RB Leipzig coming out on top, fueled by their need to secure full points to solidify their standings. While it would be unwise to underestimate Union Berlin, who has shown flashes of potential, the weight of current form suggests Leipzig is the favorite to clinch the win. The potential for Union to escape with at least one point exists, but all indications point toward Leipzig taking advantage of the opportunity to pressure Union's floundering form.
Kickoff for this enticing Bundesliga clash is set for 12:30 PM ET with the game available for live viewing on ESPN+. Fans can expect not just suspense but high-stakes football action, as both squads vie for supremacy and the much-needed points to forge their respective pathways this season.