Bayern Munich target Bundesliga summit as Union Berlin visit Allianz Arena

Bayern Munich will look to return to the top of the Bundesliga when they host Union Berlin at the Allianz Arena on Friday, with Vincent Kompany’s side seeking a sixth win in seven matches in all competitions.

Union are still waiting for their first league victory of the season and arrive in Munich having lost their past two Bundesliga matches. Bayern, meanwhile, are unbeaten at home and have collected seven points from their opening three league fixtures.

The hosts sit fourth in the table and would move temporarily into first place with victory. However, their start has not been entirely convincing. Bayern beat promoted Elversberg 2-1 last Sunday after Harry Kane scored the winner, despite the visitors recovering from 1-0 down in the second half. Bayern had 72% possession and recorded 2.83 expected goals, but needed Kane’s intervention to secure the points.

That result followed a surprising 0-0 draw with Schalke 04 on 5 September, raising questions about Bayern’s ability to break down well-organised opponents despite their dominance of possession.

Union Berlin are 16th with only one point from three league matches, placing significant pressure on manager Mauro Lustrinelli. They began the season with a 4-2 DFB-Pokal victory over Braunschweig and a thrilling 3-3 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt, but have since suffered a 4-0 defeat by Bayer Leverkusen on 5 September and a 3-1 home loss to Schalke.

Union have not beaten Bayern during this decade, although two draws in their past five meetings offer some encouragement.

Team news

Bayern’s injury list is almost clear. Centre-back Tarek Buchmann remains unavailable while recovering from ankle surgery, meaning Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano are expected to continue in central defence. Konrad Laimer and Alphonso Davies are likely to operate at full-back.

Morocco international Ismael Saibari is also expected to be involved after making an impression in recent attacking appearances. He could add pace and penetration to Bayern’s midfield.

Union have a considerably longer list of absentees. Right-back Josip Juranovic, left-back Andrik Markgraf and centre-backs Marvin Friedrich and Stanley N’Soki are all ruled out. Felix Uduokhai and Leopold Querfeld are expected to form the central defensive partnership, with Tom Rothe and Christopher Trimmel completing the back four.

Forwards Andrej Ilic and Oliver Burke are unavailable, while winger Kastriot Imeri is doubtful with a thigh problem. Emmanuel Latte Lath and Jeong Woo-yeong are therefore expected to lead the attack against Manuel Neuer.

Probable teams

Bayern Munich: Neuer; Laimer, Tah, Upamecano, Davies; Pavlovic, Kimmich; Olise, Musiala, Diaz; Kane.

Union Berlin: Ronnow; Trimmel, Uduokhai, Querfeld, Rothe; Aebischer, Khedira, Kemlein, Burcu; Latte Lath, Jeong.

Bayern’s performances have generally been dominant, although their winning margins have not always reflected that superiority. Union remain vulnerable defensively but can threaten on the counter-attack, so Bayern are predicted to win 3-1.