Leipzig vs Union Berlin
Bundesliga
Sunday
4th February 2024
Red Bull Arena
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Bundesliga fixture between Leipzig and Union Berlin.
Leipzig vs Union Berlin: Preview
Leipzig form analysis
RB Leipzig ended 2023 with a solid 3-1 home win over Hoffenheim despite conceding an equalizer before two late goals sealed victory. However, a 1-1 away draw at struggling Werder Bremen followed as defensive issues resurfaced despite Lukas Openda putting Leipzig ahead. The new year brought further frustration with a sluggish 1-0 home loss to high-flying Frankfurt as Leipzig lacked attacking spark besides Christopher Nkunku’s return from injury. A seven goal thriller away at Bayer Leverkusen followed. Despite twice leading, defensive weaknesses were exposed again as late goals cost them.
Most recently, shocking defending paved the way for a 5-2 hammering away at struggling Stuttgart. Despite Ben Šeško and Openda twice pulling Leipzig level after trailing, three second half goals condemned them to another damaging defeat. Overall, Leipzig’s form paints a picture of an unbalanced side struggling for consistency in a transitional season after losing stars in the summer. Flashes of excellence in attack are undermined by defensive fragilities. For coach Marco Rose, strengthening at the back and developing greater solidity appears essential during the winter break to complement the danger posed by Leipzig’s frontline.
Union Berlin form analysis
Union Berlin ended 2023 with a concerning 3-0 away defeat at struggling Bochum, underperforming at both ends of the pitch. However, a 2-0 home win over FC Cologne got them back on track before a solid 0-0 draw away at Freiburg maintained momentum. The new year brought a respectable 1-0 loss away at Bayern Munich as Union battled well despite Raphael Guerreiro’s goal separating the sides.
Most recently, a 1-0 home win against promotion chasing Darmstadt got Union back to winning ways as Bastian Hollerbach proved the difference in a tight game. Overall, Union’s form paints the picture of an organized and spirited side. For coach Nenad Bjelica, unlocking his side’s attacking potential will be key if Union are to sustain their unlikely push for Champions League qualification. Signing an attacking reinforcement who can contribute goals and chance creation would greatly aid those hopes.
Leipzig vs Union Berlin: Prediction
Over 2.75 goals @ 1.85 goals.
Asian handicap: -1.25 Leipzig @ 1.92 odds.
