Preview: Union Berlin vs Borussia Dortmund - prediction, team news, lineups

[(1. FC Union Berlin) Strength]:
1. Ilyas Ansah scored 5 goals for 1. FC Union Berlin in the Bundesliga this season, making him the team's top scorer.
2. Andrej Ilic provided 7 assists for 1. FC Union Berlin in the Bundesliga this season, making him the team's assist leader.
3. 1. FC Union Berlin remained unbeaten in their last 5 Bundesliga matches with 2 wins and 3 draws, showing good form.
4. After 18 rounds of the Bundesliga this season, 1. FC Union Berlin have a record of 6 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses, currently ranking 9th in the table with a decent performance.
5. 1. FC Union Berlin lost only one of their last 5 Bundesliga matches in AH, meeting external expectations.

[(1. FC Union Berlin) Neutral]:
1. 1. FC Union Berlin have a record of 3 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses in 9 home Bundesliga matches this season, indicating moderate home strength.

[(Borussia Dortmund) Strength]:
1. Serhou Guirassy scored 6 goals for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga this season, making him the team's top scorer.
2. Borussia Dortmund have a record of 4 wins, 4 draws, and 1 loss in 9 away Bundesliga matches this season, showing strong away form.
3. Borussia Dortmund remained unbeaten in their last 11 Bundesliga matches with 7 wins and 4 draws, demonstrating excellent league performance.
4. After 18 rounds of the Bundesliga this season, Borussia Dortmund recorded 11 wins, 6 draws, and 1 loss, currently ranking 2nd in the table.
5. In their last two Bundesliga meetings, Borussia Dortmund won both convincingly, giving them a psychological edge.

[(Borussia Dortmund) Weakness]:
1. Borussia Dortmund lost 3 out of their last 4 competitive match in AH, failing to meet external expectations.

[Tips]:
Borussia Dortmund recently lost 2-0 to Tottenham Hotspur F.C. in the Champions League, with their left flank defense collapsing and set-piece vulnerabilities exposed.

Head coach Niko Kovac bluntly stated the team lack mental fortitude, and both physical fitness and morale are at a low due to dual competition demands.

1. FC Union Berlin show strong resilience at home, employing a compact 3-4-2-1 formation that dominates centrally and excels aerially鈥攑erfectly targeting Borussia Dortmund's set-piece weaknesses.

With five unbeaten league matches recently, their attacking and defensive form is steadily improving.

Although Dortmund's away league performance has been decent, they now face this challenge with a depleted squad and low morale.

Against Union Berlin, who are adept at defensive counterattacks, breaking down their solid home defense will be difficult.

Thus, Union Berlin are expected to defend their home dignity with the support of their fans.

[Recommended]:
1. FC Union Berlin (+0.5)