Union Berlin vs RB Leipzig Prediction: Red Bulls to maintain Bundesliga charge

Bundesliga action continues on Friday night (19:30 UK, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website) when Union Berlin host RB Leipzig at the Stadion An der Alten Forsterei in a clash that could propel the visitors to within five points of table-topping Bayern Munich.

Union have endured a tough run, losing consecutive league games either side of a DFB-Pokal exit at the hands of Bayern. They went 3-0 down at Wolfsburg last Saturday before grabbing a consolation goal to lie 12th in the table with just 15 points from 13 matches.

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Team News

Union Berlin will be without Robert Skov and Andrik Markgraf due to injury, while Ilyas Ansah is expected to lead the line despite modest returns so far this season.

Leipzig are missing several key names including Antonio Nusa, Ridle Baku, and Romulo Cruz, but El Chadaille Bitshiabu and Timo Werner have returned to full training this week.

Diomande should start again on the right, despite the return from injury of Johan Bakayoko, while Tidiam Gomis could come in for Nusa in the only change from last week.

Football Odds

Union Berlin vs RB Leipzig Odds

Union Berlin are priced at 13/5 to win, with RB Leipzig available at 1/1 and the draw at 5/2.

Over 2.5 goals is 4/5, while both teams to score is 4/6. Conrad Harder is 6/4 to score anytime, while Union forward Ansah is 11/2 to strike first.

RB Leipzig to win & Over 2.5 Goals @ 12/5

Leipzig’s attacking depth and recent form make them strong candidates to collect another three points on their title charge.

Werner’s side have won nine of their last 12 Bundesliga games with six of the last nine featuring at least three goals.

Union have been struggling of late, collecting only five points from the last 18 on offer.

They did hold Bayern to a 2-2 draw in early November, but the Iron Ones have lacked that kind of steel more recently, conceding twice after the 90th minute to lose 2-1 against Heidenheim in their last home league game.

The Red Bulls have scored nine times in their last two matches, while Union have conceded two or more in three of their last four Bundesliga outings, so it is probably worth backing the visitors to win with at least three goals in the game.

Today's Football Fixtures

Yan Diomande Anytime Goalscorer @ 13/5

When you’re hot, you’re hot. Diomande is likely to be in demand from all the major clubs after his scintillating display against Frankfurt last week - if he wasn’t already.

The teenage forward became the second-youngest player in Bundesliga history to score a hat-trick with all three goals coming after half-time.

He showcased his lightning speed, quick decisions and deft ability with both feet.

His direct running will trouble Union’s shaky backline and, with confidence sky-high, he looks excellent value to find the net again.