Berlin, Berlin! We're off to Berlin! On Saturday evening (kick-off at 18:30 CET, coverage via our live text commentary and free web radio) FC Bayern will play their penultimate away game of the season in the capital at 1. FC Union Berlin. The goal for the clash with the Irons is clear, and Hansi Flick was quite specific: "We're in the top spot and we intend to defend it." In our preview, fcbayern.com brings you all you need to know on the upcoming clash on Matchday 11.
The situation for FC Bayern
With the draw against Leipzig last weekend, the defending champions were able to keep their direct rivals at bay for the time being. Nevertheless, it's still very tight at the top of the table. Leverkusen are just a point behind the Reds, followed by RB who themselves are another point behind. But the men from Munich are currently showing great self-confidence and didn't concede in the last group game of the Champions League against Lokomotiv Moscow during the week (2-0). "The team can be very proud and take a lot away from the game," said Flick in his press conference before the Union game on Friday.
Click here to find out where FCB's direct rivals will be playing this weekend:
The opponents: Union Berlin
Union Berlin have been impressive this season so far and were even in fifth spot at one point. Four wins and four draws was the tally for the Irons from the first ten matchdays. Last weekend, however, they suffered their second defeat - in the derby at Hertha BSC, of all matches. Urs Fischer's team are now sixth. The team from the capital have been especially impressive in attack this season. With 22 goals, Union (together with Dortmund) have the second-best attack in the league behind FCB (34 goals). "They have many different players who can score," warned Flick.
Personnel, tactics and more: Get it all from Hansi Flick's final press conference before the game against Union Berlin:
Team news
Robert Lewandowski is fit to play again at the weekend after he was rested on Wednesday against Lokomotiv due to some minor muscular problems. Flick may also be able to use Corentin Tolisso again. "Coco trained with us on Thursday. We have to see how he reacted. We'll decide after the final training session," the 55-year-old boss said. So, the treble coach is only missing Joshua Kimmich and Javi Martínez.
Check out how the Reds' final training session went In our gallery:
Besides the defeat, the past weekend cost Union dearly, because top scorer Max Kruse (6 goals, 5 assists) suffered a muscle injury and will be out for quite a long time. Furthermore, Robert Andrich was suspended for three games after a red card. As in the previous week, Anthony Ujah, Nico Schlotterbeck and Joel Pohjanpalo are still not available.
We spoke to defender Benjamin Pavard ahead of the match at Union Berlin:
What the coaches say
Hansi Flick: "You can only view Union's development in a very positive light. They go into tackles with great passion and physical presence. They can always get out of pressure situations. It will be a very intensive game, and we must prepare for it."
Urs Fischer (Trainer Union Berlin): "It'll be a great task. We'll have to get everything right. Even when Bayern don't have their best day, they win games. They're very greedy. When playing out of possession we'll have to make sure that they don't get the urge to play football. We'll have to disrupt them, take on the one-on-one situations and get stuck into them. But the attacking side of things is also part of the game: We must be courageous and survive pressure situations. Then you can threaten Bayern."
Check out our facts and stats to find out what else is important for the away game against the Irons:
Topics of this article