Union Berlin vs Bayern Munich: Lineups, team news, injuries, and more! (Updated)

What’s that familiar feeling? Is it deja-vu? Oh wait, we’ve been here before — back in March, when we previewed Union Berlin vs Bayern Munich hours before it ended up being canceled. It’s been such a long time since then, I’ve almost forgotten what a football match feels like. There’s supposed to be eleven men on each side, a ball, and they kick it ...

No matter, I’m sure it can’t be too complicated. Unfortunately, even though this is the second time I’m writing this preview, a lot of things have changed since March. Therefore, I can’t just recycle that one and hope no one notices. So, without further ado, here’s a glimpse at how Bayern Munich will line up against Union Berlin on Sunday.

Team news

Even with a global pandemic shutting down society as we know it, Bayern still has some significant injuries to deal with. Niklas Sule is taking it slow with his ACL recovery and won’t feature, while both Philippe Coutinho and Corentin Tolisso injured their ankles in training and will end up missing the rest of the season. Thankfully, in a positive change from March, both Robert Lewandowski and Ivan Perisic used the lockdown period to recover from their respective injuries and will be available to feature against Union.

So how will the team line up? Well, given that this is the first game in over two months, Hansi Flick will probably opt for something that’s tried and tested. So that means putting Robert Lewandowski up top, with Thomas Muller playing behind him at second striker. As far as we know, Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry are both fit, so they should start together on the wings.

Joshua Kimmich and Thiago Alcantara are the most likely candidates to start in midfield. Ever since they came into their own this season, the duo has arguably been the most dominant midfield pairing in the world. However, given that clubs are allowed to make up to five subs, don’t expect the mid to remain unchanged for the entire 90 — Leon Goretzka or Michael Cuisance could see some precious minutes come their way as well.

As for the backline — well, even in the best of days, the defense is the last thing you’d want to change on a lineup that’s clicking and in form. Now? I doubt Hansi will opt for anything crazy. We can expect to see David Alaba and Jerome Boateng in the center (sorry Lucas), with Alphonso Davies and Benjamin Pavard on the left and right fullback positions respectively. As always, Manuel Neuer will be in goal.

So here’s how we think Bayern Munich will line up tomorrow:

Update