Bundesliga: Will the Red Bulls See Off Die Eisernen Again?

RB Leipzig vs Union Berlin

RB Leipzig and Union Berlin meet for the second time in three days as these two protagonists will duel for more Bundesliga points on Saturday night at the Red Bull Arena.

These German top-flight sides are fighting for spots In Europe and both are well on their way, albeit in different leagues, as third-placed RB Leipzig are likely to make it back to the Champions League while sixth-placed Union Berlin hold a Europa Conference League spot as of this writing.

If their DFB-Pokal semi-final match yesterday provides any indication, it is that football fans are in for a huge treat since we’ll be seeing numerous Bundesliga 2022 highlights from both of them.

The pre-match SBOTOP betting odds were once in favour of Union Berlin since they’ve had RB Leipzig’s number. But given last night’s result, the gap between the two sides has been narrowed down.

Talking Points

More warm bodies available for RB Leipzig

Domenico Tedesco has done a superb job of guiding his squad despite their congested schedule. Other than the Bundesliga, RB Leipzig have other commitments since they’ve made deep runs both in the DFB-Pokal and Europa League.

With matches coming in thick and fast, naturally they’ve had their share of injuries, but they’ve been successful in navigating through their fixtures – making them arguably the best team in Germany so far in 2022.

There’s more good news to come as Tedesco now has a fitter group to choose from for this upcoming match.

Fifth-leading scorer Yussuf Poulsen was in action against Union Berlin yesterday after suffering an injury against Bayer Leverkusen last week, and he’ll bolster their attacking firepower alongside Christopher Nkunku, Andre Silva, Emil Forsberg, and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Meanwhile, Kevin Kampl and Lukas Klostermann are both listed as probable. Kampl was on the bench against Union Berlin, while Klostermann – who is one of the team’s best defenders – is on the mend after being a close contact to a COVID-positive person.

Amadou Haidara is the club’s only long-term absentee due to an MCL injury, although he could make a return before the summer break.

Union Berlin pushing for a European spot

Union Berlin got a taste of what European football is like and they’re keen on returning for next season after falling short in the group stage of the Europa Conference League – finishing at third in Group E behind Slavia Praha and Feyenoord.

But given their current trajectory and form, perhaps they wouldn’t mind going even higher – possibly to either competing in the Europa League or Champions League.

Urs Fischer’s men missed their only chance on getting silverware this season after squandering their lead against RB Leipzig yesterday, and they’re seeking redemption for their stinging loss.

Die Eisernen are to be led once more by the trio of Taiwo Awoniyi, Grischa Promel, and Sheraldo Becker. Awoniyi is their top scorer with 15 goals, while Promel has six goals and one assist. Becker – who scored their only goal yesterday at Leipzig – has three goals and six assists.

History

Last night, RB Leipzig won against Union Berlin in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals with a 2-1 scoreline as Andre Silva and Emil Forsberg mounted a huge comeback after they were trailing for the most part following a goal from Sheraldo Becker.

Prior to yesterday, though, RB Leipzig have lost back-to-back against Union Berlin (both 2-1) after winning three consecutive meetings against the latter since 2019.

The Red Bulls are undefeated in league games at home against Union Berlin (2 in the Bundesliga and 2 in the second-tier). Should they win on Saturday, they’ll match their longest unbeaten home run against any other German side (5 straight against Werder Bremen).

In terms of recent form, both sides are on a three-game winning streak here in the Bundesliga while conceding only one goal apiece. Union Berlin have never won four straight in German top-flight, while RB Leipzig did this last year.

Betting Tip 

RB Leipzig are favoured to win again by the Bundesliga 2022 odds. They are installed at 1.51, while Union Berlin’s winning price of 6.60 is a substantial drop off in our opinion and a draw is at 3.90 in the 1X2 market.

Total Goal 2-3 @ 1.91 is also worth considering as both sides are capable of scoring and since there haven’t been any clean sheets in their encounters lately.

Overall, we expect another riveting affair on Saturday. With momentum on their side along with their collective experience compared to their visitors, we’re backing the Red Bulls to claim the victory.

 

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