Union Berlin Visit Signal Iduna Park Seeking to End Dortmund’s Home Woes
On matchday 23, 1. FC Union Berlin will travel to Borussia Dortmund for an away match. The game will be played on Saturday at 18:30 CET (13:30 ET) at Signal Iduna Park.
Both teams find themselves in unsatisfactory positions in the Bundesliga standings. Dortmund sits in 11th place with 29 points, while Union is 13th with 24 points.
Both clubs have made coaching changes during the season. Steffen Baumgart replaced Bo Svensson as Union’s manager at the start of the year, while Niko Kovac took over at Dortmund from Nuri Sahin and interim coach Mike Tullberg.
Dortmund played in the Champions League as recently as Wednesday, securing a 0-0 draw against Sporting Lisbon to reach the knockout stages. In the Bundesliga, Kovac’s team has suffered consecutive home defeats to VfB Stuttgart (1-2) and VfL Bochum (0-2). Dortmund have not won any of their last five home games.
Union Berlin has not had much success at Signal Iduna Park, losing all five of their previous visits. However, they have won four of their matches against Dortmund at home, including a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
There will be some familiar faces on both sides on Saturday. Dortmund defender Julian Ryerson played 109 competitive matches (scoring three goals) for Union between 2018 and 2023. On the Berlin side, winger Tom Rothe joined Union from Dortmund at the start of the season. Rothe made four Bundesliga appearances (scoring one goal) and played in three Champions League matches for BVB.
Dortmund looking to break home duck under Kovac
Borussia Dortmund will be determined to end their poor run of form at home under Kovac. The Black and Yellows have lost their last two matches at Signal Iduna Park and have not won any of their last five home games.
Kovac will be hoping that his team can rediscover their form in front of their own fans. Dortmund have a talented squad, but they have struggled for consistency this season.
Union aiming to continue impressive away form
Union Berlin have been a surprise package in the Bundesliga this season. Baumgart’s team has been impressive on the road, winning four of their last seven away matches.
Union will be confident of getting a result at Signal Iduna Park. They have a good record against Dortmund at home and will be looking to make it three wins in a row against their rivals.
Prediction
This is a difficult match to call. Dortmund have a strong team, but they have struggled for consistency this season. Union have been in good form on the road, but they have not won any of their five previous matches at Signal Iduna Park.
I think the match will be a close and entertaining affair. I predict a 2-2 draw.
