Bayern set for 'significant' match against Union - the preview

Floodlights on for Saturday evening’s primetime clash! In their last match before the international break, FC Bayern host 1. FC Union Berlin at the Allianz Arena on Saturday (live ticker and free Webradio from 18:30 CET on fcbayern.com). A round-up of all the important info:

Here are the images from Friday’s training session ahead of the match:

The situation for Bayern

After back-to-back 1-1 draws in the league against Bayer Leverkusen and Hoffenheim, Bayern still have a four-point lead over second-placed Borussia Dortmund, who won their rearranged match against Mainz 1-0 in midweek. A decent but not comfortable cushion. Julian Nagelsmann admitted he’s “feeling the pursuers breathing down their necks more than in the last five weeks”, describing the meeting with Union as a “significant match” in the current situation. The target is therefore clear; it’s about getting the job done. “We're looking forward to the match against Union Berlin tomorrow - also because there'll be 35,000 spectators there. We simply have to win the match in order to go into the international break with a four-point lead,” demanded board member for sport Hasan Salihamidžić.

Bayern will play their 1,935th Bundesliga match against Union - here are the milestones on the way to that record:

The opposition: Union Berlin

Having taken part in this season’s Europa Conference League, Union Berlin have hopes of qualifying for Europe again this year, currently sitting in eighth place. They have lost some ground in the battle for the European places in recent weeks, though, taking just four points from their last six matches. Only city rivals Hertha (one) have performed worse in the same period. Nevertheless, Bayern know full well not to underestimate the capital club after being held to two 1-1 draws last season. “You take with you the fact you’ve been able to get results before, which should give you a degree of confidence,” declared coach Urs Fischer, looking back to last term’s encounters. “It’s a clean slate but you need a very good day and the luck has to be on our side.”

Here are the facts and stats on the clash with Union:

The team news for Bayern vs. Union Berlin

Nagelsmann can count on Robert Lewandowski against Union. “Lewy is on board,” confirmed the FCB coach, who said it was “purely a precaution” that the Pole has sat out some of training this week after a minor knock. Corentin Tolisso is set to return to the squad after recovering from his muscle strain, according to Nagelsmann, but it’s likely to be too soon for Leon Goretzka, who also returned to full training during the week after knee problems. Niklas Süle is out due to a hamstring strain, as is Alphonso Davies, who is building up his training following symptoms of myocarditis. Benjamin Pavard is also unavailable after testing positive for coronavirus.

Union must do without the suspended Grischa Prömel (five yellow cards), the injured Dominique Heintz (inflammation) and Keita Endo (recovery from knee injury), as well as the ill Niko Gießelmann and Levin Öztunali. It remains to be seen whether Genki Haraguchi and goalkeeper Andreas Luthe will be available after recent positive coronavirus tests.

Niklas Süle was injured in training during the week:

What the coaches say

Julian Nagelsmann: “Obviously Union lost a bit of quality with the departures in January, and similar to us their results weren’t then as consistent. But they’re a very disciplined team who defend extremely aggressively. I think they’ll rely on the counter a lot tomorrow, but given the reverse fixture and the situation in the table, we’re certainly warned.”

Urs Fischer (1. FC Union Berlin coach): “I think you need possession in order to get out of pressure situations and be able to recuperate. Otherwise it’ll be tough. You need to be brave when trying to trouble Bayern, close them down and defend from the front. That’s the courage you have to take into it.”

You can watch Nagelsmann’s pre-match press conference in full below: