Union Berlin vs RB Leipzig preview: Inconsistent Leipzig look to bounce back after European defeat | OneFootball

Union Berlin

Union Berlin manager Steffen Baumgart is unlikely to be overly concerned about the threat of relegation, as his side sits six points clear of 16th-placed Heidenheim, who occupy the relegation playoff spot. However, with crucial upcoming fixtures against fellow strugglers Hoffenheim and Holstein Kiel in their next five matches, Union cannot afford to be complacent.

Die Eisernen have endured attacking struggles throughout the season, managing just 16 league goals, making them the lowest-scoring team in the Bundesliga. Their lack of firepower was evident in their previous clash against RB Leipzig on September 14, which ended in a goalless draw.

More worryingly, Union’s defensive frailties have been exposed in recent weeks, with 12 goals conceded across their last four matches, three of which ended in defeat. While they secured a 2-1 home victory over Mainz on January 19th, that result was an exception to their poor home form, with Union failing to win any of their previous five games at Stadion An der Alten Försterei, suffering two losses in that run.

Team News

Union Berlin will be without suspended centre-back Leopold Querfeld and injured striker Andrej Ilić, but those are the only confirmed absentees.

Their defensive trio of Danilho Doekhi, Kevin Vogt, and Diogo Leite is expected to continue ahead of goalkeeper Frederik Rønnow. In attack, Jordan Siebatcheu and Benedict Hollerbach could lead the line, with wing-backs Josip Juranović and Robert Skov providing width.

RB Leipzig

Leipzig had to weather significant pressure in their recent 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen, with the defending champions hitting the woodwork three times and creating four big chances. Die Roten Bullen ultimately relied on an 85th-minute own goal to salvage a point.

Manager Marco Rose remains the only coach in the Bundesliga to have beaten Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen since the start of the 2023-24 campaign, and securing four points against the title holders is no small feat. However, Leipzig’s recent form has been far from convincing, and their miserable Champions League campaign ended on a low note with a 1-0 defeat to Sturm Graz, confirming their last-place finish in the group.

Defensive struggles have been a recurring issue for Leipzig, who have conceded 20 goals in their last nine matches, including 14 in their last five Bundesliga outings. Their current form is equally concerning, with just one win in their last five matches across all competitions (two losses, two draws). In the Bundesliga, they have failed to win any of their last three games.

Leipzig’s away record is also troubling, with seven defeats in their last nine road fixtures, managing just one victory during that stretch.

Team News

Leipzig face multiple midfield injuries, with Forzan Assan Ouedraogo, Kevin Kampl, and Xaver Schlager all sidelined. This could see Arthur Vermeeren and Amadou Haidara form a central midfield partnership.

At the back, Benjamin Henrichs is out for the rest of the season with an Achilles tendon injury, meaning David Raum and Lukas Klostermann may start as full-backs in a back four. Up front, Benjamin Šeško and Loïs Openda are expected to spearhead the attack, especially with André Silva unavailable due to injury.