Union Berlin vs. RB Leipzig Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 1 February 2025 - bettingexpert

Get ready for a thrilling Bundesliga showdown at Alte Foersterei! Union Berlin, sitting in 14th place with 20 points, will lock horns with RB Leipzig, currently in 5th place with 32 points, on 1 February 2025. This clash is pivotal for Union as they fight to evade relegation, and for Leipzig in their pursuit of a Champions League spot.

Union Berlin, under new coach Steffen Baumgart, recently broke a winless streak but have struggled offensively, averaging just 0.60 goals in their last five games. Leipzig, despite some mixed results, have shown attacking prowess, with star Benjamin Sesko netting 14 goals this season. Both teams head into the match off the back of less-than-desirable recent form.

Prediction-wise, RB Leipzig is favored, backed by their consistent scoring and better league position.

Recommended bet: RB Leipzig to win at odds of 2.31.

Expect a hard-fought battle reflective of each team’s drive towards their season goals.

Union Berlin vs RB Leipzig Prediction & Betting tip

The upcoming match between Union Berlin and RB Leipzig promises to be a tactical and gritty encounter. Based on current form and past meetings, RB Leipzig is the recommended betting tip to win.

Union Berlin vs RB Leipzig Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
RB Leipzig to win	2.31

• Consistent Scoring: RB Leipzig has scored in 84% of their matches this season and in 90% of their away games, showcasing their attacking resilience.
• Recent Form: Union Berlin has a poor run with only 1 win in their last 10 games, making Leipzig, who are in better form, stronger contenders.
• Head-to-Head Advantage: Historical matchups favor RB Leipzig, who have consistently performed well against Union Berlin in previous encounters.

These points suggest RB Leipzig comes into the game with a stronger edge and greater potential to clinch a win, making them a smart betting tip.

Union Berlin vs RB Leipzig Odds

The betting odds for the upcoming clash between Union Berlin and RB Leipzig highlight RB Leipzig as the bookmaker’s favorite.

Union Berlin vs RB Leipzig Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Union Berlin win	3.08
Draw	3.46
RB Leipzig win	2.24

With odds of 2.24, RB Leipzig is seen as having the upper hand, reflecting their stronger form and higher position in the Bundesliga table.
Union Berlin, despite playing at home, are underdogs at 3.08, indicating their recent struggles and lower league position make them a less favorable option.
A draw, with odds of 3.46, is a less likely but possible outcome, especially considering Union Berlin’s tendency to hold stronger teams to lower scores.

Union Berlin Team Analysis

Union Berlin Recent Performance

Union Berlin’s recent form has been disappointing, with only one win in their last five matches. Steffen Baumgart’s side has struggled to create chances and score goals, as highlighted by their lowest-scoring status in the league.

Home team	Away team	Result
St. Pauli	Union Berlin	3-0 (Loss)
Union Berlin	Mainz 05	2-1 (Win)
Union Berlin	Augsburg	0-2 (Loss)
FC Heidenheim	Union Berlin	2-0 (Loss)
Union Berlin	Holstein Kiel	1-2 (Loss)

Union Berlin has averaged just 0.60 goals per game in their last five fixtures and hasn’t kept a clean sheet during this period. Their defensive record remains shaky, conceding 25 goals this season. This weak form places them near the relegation zone, urgently needing to turn things around.

Union Berlin Key Players

Union Berlin’s key players will need to step up if they hope to secure a positive result against RB Leipzig. Benedict Hollerbach, as the team’s top scorer with 4 goals, will be pivotal in trying to break down Leipzig’s defense. Despite Union Berlin’s struggles on the offensive front, Hollerbach’s individual talent could be crucial.
In midfield, András Schäfer is expected to anchor the team and drive forward with support from Janik Haberer, who also plays an attacking role. Defensively, Josip Juranovic and Danilho Doekhi will need to remain solid to prevent Leipzig’s lethal attackers from finding the net.

Expected lineup for Union Berlin:

• Goalkeeper: Alexander Schwolow
• Defenders: Josip Juranovic, Danilho Doekhi, Diogo Leite, Robert Skov
• Midfielders: Kevin Vogt, Aljoscha Kemlein, András Schäfer, Janik Haberer
• Attackers: Jordan Siebatcheu, Benedict Hollerbach

Union Berlin Suspensions & Injuries

Union Berlin will have to manage a few key absences for their matchup against RB Leipzig. One notable suspension is Leopold Querfeld, who is out for one match due to accumulated yellow cards.

Player	Suspension	Expected return
Leopold Querfeld	Yellow cards	06/02/2025

Additionally, forward Andrej Ilic is sidelined with an ankle injury and isn’t expected to return until mid-February 2025.

Player	Injury	Expected return
Andrej Ilic	Ankle injury	Mid February 2025

These absences will particularly impact Union Berlin’s defensive capabilities and attacking options, making their challenge against a strong Leipzig side even tougher. Steffen Baumgart will need to make tactical adjustments to cope with these losses.

Union Berlin Tactics and Formation

Union Berlin Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forwards: Benedict Hollerbach, Jordan Siebatcheu
• Midfield Quartet: Kevin Vogt (Defensive Midfielder), Aljoscha Kemlein, András Schäfer, Janik Haberer
• Defensive Line: Josip Juranovic (Right-back), Danilho Doekhi (Right Centre-back), Diogo Leite (Left Centre-back), Robert Skov (Left-back)

Steffen Baumgart favours a compact and resilient setup. The 3-5-2 formation gives Union Berlin width and midfield strength. Juranovic and Skov will provide overlaps to support the attack, while Vogt anchors the midfield, breaking down opposition plays. Hollerbach and Siebatcheu, the strike partners, will be pivotal in penetrating Leipzig’s defence. The team needs to be particularly cautious in the last 15 minutes, aligning their defensive strategy with Leipzig’s tendency to concede late goals.

RB Leipzig Team Analysis

RB Leipzig Recent Performance

RB Leipzig’s recent form has been a mixed bag. Here’s a look at their last five games:

Home team	Away team	Result
Sturm Graz	RB Leipzig	1-0 (Loss)
RB Leipzig	Bayer Leverkusen	2-2 (Draw)
RB Leipzig	Sporting CP	2-1 (Win)
Bochum	RB Leipzig	3-3 (Draw)
VfB Stuttgart	RB Leipzig	2-1 (Loss)

Recent form: LDWDL

Despite some inconsistency, RB Leipzig has shown they can find the net, scoring an average of 1.60 goals in their last five matches. However, keeping clean sheets has been an issue, with none in their previous five games.

The team has exhibited resilience, bouncing back quickly from losses and managing to score in 90% of their away matches this season. This gives them a fighting chance in their upcoming fixture.

RB Leipzig Key Players

RB Leipzig will be looking to their key players to secure a win against Union Berlin. Leading the charge will be top scorer Benjamin Sesko, who’s netted 8 goals this season. His partnership with Loïs Openda upfront will be crucial for Leipzig’s attack.
Expected lineup for RB Leipzig:

• Goalkeeper: Peter Gulacsi
• Defenders: Lukas Klostermann, El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Willi Orban, David Raum
• Midfielders: Antonio Nusa, Arthur Vermeeren, Amadou Haidara, Xavi Simons
• Forwards: Benjamin Sesko, Loïs Openda
  With strength from the back from Gulacsi and robust defending from Orban and Bitshiabu, Leipzig will aim to shut down Union Berlin’s strikers. A key individual battle to watch will be between Sesko and Union Berlin’s Alexander Schwolow, which could very well decide the game.

RB Leipzig Suspensions & Injuries

RB Leipzig will be missing several key players due to injuries, which could impact their performance.

Player	Injury	Expected return
Assan Ouédraogo	Hamstring Injury	Mid April 2025
Benjamin Henrichs	Achilles tendon injury	Out for season
Xaver Schlager	Knee Injury	Late February 2025
Andre Silva	Calf Injury	Early February 2025
Kevin Kampl	Calf Injury	Mid February 2025

These absences, particularly from experienced players like Henrichs and Kampl, could disrupt Leipzig’s cohesion and depth. They will need to rely on bench strength to navigate this period. Fortunately, there are no suspensions affecting the squad, allowing coach Marco Rose more flexibility in his team selections.

RB Leipzig Tactics and Formation

RB Leipzig’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1 – A flexible setup that offers both offensive and defensive balance.
• Key Forwards: Benjamin Šeško and Loïs Openda
  • Šeško, the top scorer with eight goals, will likely operate as the main goal threat.
  • Openda, another forward option, can exploit spaces left by Union Berlin’s backline.
• Dynamic Midfielders:
  • Arthur Vermeeren and Amadou Haidara in central roles provide both defensive cover and attacking support.
  • Xavi Simons on the left and Antonio Nusa on the right provide width and creativity.
• Defensive Solidity:
  • With Willi Orban marshalling the defense and Peter Gulácsi in goal, Leipzig aims to stay solid.

Notable Strategy:

• Leipzig’s strategy often involves maintaining possession and quick transitions.
• Beware of their scoring streak, having netted in 9 consecutive league matches.
• They target crucial periods (76-90, 16-30 minutes) to press for goals. This style of play is expected to challenge Union Berlin’s defense, especially in the latter stages of the match.

Union Berlin vs RB Leipzig Head-to-Head Statistics

Let’s delve into the recent matchups between Union Berlin and RB Leipzig:

Home	Away	Result
RB Leipzig	Union Berlin	0-0
RB Leipzig	Union Berlin	2-0
Union Berlin	RB Leipzig	0-3
RB Leipzig	Union Berlin	1-2
Union Berlin	RB Leipzig	2-1

Despite the balance in previous outcomes, RB Leipzig seems to have the upper hand in recent encounters. They won two of their last three meetings, including a dominant 3-0 away victory. Union Berlin will need to step up their game to reverse this trend.

Odds accurate as of 30.01.2025 18:32, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.