Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin: TV channel, live stream, team news & prediction
By Max Parsons
Bayern Munich host Union Berlin on Saturday evening, looking to put an end to what can only be described as a bizarre patch of form.
In their previous five across all competitions, Julian Nagelsmann's men have earned impressive wins - beating Greuther Furth 4-1, Eintracht Frankfurt 1-0 and RB Salzburg 7-1 - but have also severely underwhelmed in between those results, being held to 1-1 draws by both Bayer Leverkusen and Hoffenheim in their last two Bundesliga outings.
Dropping four points in those two games has closed the gap at the top of the table, with Borussia Dortmund beating Mainz in midweek to move to within four points of Die Rekordmeister and ensure there will be a title race after all.
The league leaders will hope to reopen that gap this weekend, as they face a Union Berlin side struggling for form, currently sitting eighth in the table after losing four and winning just one in their last six Bundesliga fixtures.
Here's 90min's preview of this one.
How to watch Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin on TV/live stream
When is kick off? Saturday 19 March, 17:30 (GMT)
Where is the match being played? Allianz Arena, Munich
TV channel/live stream? Sky Sports Football (UK), ESPN+ (US)
Highlights? Sky Sports Football YouTube channel
Bayern Munich team news
Niklas Sule has picked up a hamstring injury and is set to spend around four weeks on the sidelines, likely resulting in Dayot Upamecano making it an all-French back three alongisde Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez.
More concerningly, Robert Lewandowski represents a minor doubt having sustained a little knee knock, although should be okay to start after resuming training this week.
Elsewhere, Leon Goretzka, Alphonso Davies and Corentin Tolisso will continue to be absent for Nagelsmann's side.
Union Berlin team news
The visitors are hoping to welcome back Andreas Luthe, Kevin Behrens, Levin Oztunali and Genki Haraguchi, who all missed out last week through Covid-19.
Keita Endo could also return to the fold following a knee injury, although Grischa Promel is out of contention through suspension.
Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin score prediction
Quite strangely, it's difficult to know what to get from Die Roten at the moment. Their previous two league outings have produced mediocrity - from slip-ups at the back to lack of potency and decisiveness at the top of the pitch.
Like all the best teams, however, Bayern are utterly ruthless and bounce back from difficult times so well.
It's been a curious few weeks on the pitch for Nagelsmann's men but, with an out-of-form Union side standing in their way this weekend, they should manage a first Bundesliga win in three attempts.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-1 Union Berlin