Dortmund in search of back-to-back BL victories after emphatic UCL win.

2024-10-01

Union Berlin, aiming to maintain their perfect home record this season, face a formidable challenge against Borussia Dortmund, who, despite recent away struggles, arrive buoyed by a striking UEFA Champions League performance and a close chase for the Bundesliga summit.

FC Union Berlin

Union Berlin are set for a stern test as they prepare to face Dortmund. This comes after a gut-wrenching header by Tomáš Čvančara in injury time handed them their maiden defeat of the season against Borussia Mönchengladbach, resulting in a 0-1 scoreline.

Despite the loss, Union’s tally of eight points from their opening five Bundesliga matches represents their second-best start to a top-flight campaign. Only in the 2022/23 season did they achieve more points at this stage, with 11.

Historically, Union have struggled against Dortmund, losing seven out of their 10 Bundesliga encounters. However, their impeccable home form this season offers some optimism.

Union have won both of their opening home games and could start a Bundesliga campaign with three consecutive home victories for the first time. They join Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt in holding a 100% home record in the 2024/25 season.

Manager Bo Svensson is expected to opt for a 3-4-3 formation, with László Bénes and Benedict Hollerbach providing support for striker Jordan Pefok. Unfortunately, Union will be without Josip Juranović and Ivan Prtajin due to injuries.

Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund are in excellent form, with four wins from their last five matches, highlighted by a remarkable 7-1 victory over Celtic in the UEFA Champions League. Manager Nuri Şahin emphasized his team's relentless effort, particularly from the forwards, stating, "What makes me happiest is how hard the boys up front worked. We were always on the move."

Currently, Dortmund is 5th in the Bundesliga standings with 10 points, trailing league leaders Bayern Munich by just three points in a competitive start to the season. Despite their recent success, they have struggled with poor away form, failing to win any of their last four Bundesliga away games.

Their last victory on the road was in April against Borussia Mönchengladbach with a 2-1 scoreline. Serhou Guirassy, having scored twice against Celtic, is anticipated to lead the attack in their familiar 3-4-2-1 formation.

Unfortunately, Dortmund will be without Karim Adeyemi, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury following a midweek hat-trick, along with Donyell Malen and Giovanni Reyna. "I had to come off due to a little problem with my thigh. I hope it's not too bad. We'll see what happens tomorrow," Adeyemi mentioned after the match.