First against fourth, best attack against second-best defence – when FC Bayern host 1. FC Union Berlin on Saturday (live text and free Web Radio commentary from 15:30 CET on fcbayern.com and in the FC Bayern app), a difficult task is in store for the Reds. After avoiding relegation on the final day last season, the Berliners are back to their best this term. Our preview has everything you need to know on the clash against the Eisernen.
The pictures from Friday's final training session:
The state of play for Bayern
Things couldn't have gone much better for Bayern over the past week. Last Sunday, the Munich men maintained their lead at the top of the Bundesliga in emphatic style with the 5-0 win at VfL Bochum. That was followed on Wednesday by a confident display in the DFB Cup at Mainz 05 and a 4-0 victory to progress to the last 16. Bayern are now eyeing a perfect end to a busy week against Union Berlin. A win at the Allianz Arena could also cement first place in the table. RB Leipzig are currently level with FCB in second place but don't play until Saturday evening away to Borussia Dortmund.
"We remain calm, we can see that the team is getting better and can get even better," described head coach Vincent Kompany in his press conference on Friday. "A lot of work goes into that, which is where our focus lies." Following two high-scoring wins, the meeting with Union is also set to be a test for the attack: "Union have the second-best defence in the league. Maybe we need to step up a gear to score goals," added Kompany.
Missed the press conference with Vincent Kompany and Max Eberl? Here are the key quotes:
The opponents: Union Berlin
Having only secured their Bundesliga status through a stoppage-time goal against SC Freiburg on the final matchday last season, the capital club have enjoyed a strong campaign so far. The team, who have been coached by Bo Svensson since the summer, currently sit in fourth place on 15 points after eight games, level with defending champions Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Union suffered a setback in midweek, however, as they were knocked out of the cup by third-tier side Arminia Bielefeld (2-0). "It was a tough night for us but we move on," said Svensson. "We've done a normal analysis. We had a lot of good performances prior to that. The path for us is clear."
Kompany stressed that Bayern certainly won't underestimate the Berliners. "We know they're good in defence and on the counter," highlighted the Belgian. "They contest the second balls very actively and have a lot of characters in the team. The communication and the belief are good. They're a side who know their jobs."
Bayern are still unbeaten against Union in the Bundesliga:
The team news for Bayern vs. Union Berlin
Bayern are still without long-term injury absentees Hiroki Ito (metatarsal), Josip Stanisic, Sacha Boey (both knee) and Aleksandar Pavlović (collarbone). There are also question marks over centre-backs Dayot Upamecano, who missed the trip to Mainz with a bruished thigh, and Eric Dier, who came off with a knock on Wednesday. "It's looking good for both of them but we'll give ourselves until tomorrow to make a decision," confirmed Kompany.
For Union, Josip Juranović, Lucas Tousart and Yannic Stein are sidelined.
The pre-match facts:
What the coaches say
The flair can come from us, it's finally a home game again. Hopefully our strengths will make the difference.
Vincent Kompany
We're looking forward to the match, while of course we know what form Bayern are in. It's an extremely difficult challenge. We want to reach our maximum.
Bo Svensson (Union Berlin)
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