Union Berlin vs Augsburg Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, May 16th
Union Berlin will host Augsburg at the Alte Försterei this Saturday, May 16th, in a crucial Bundesliga clash. Both teams are looking to secure valuable points as the season progresses, making this match an important fixture in their respective campaigns. Union Berlin, playing at home, will aim to capitalise on their familiar surroundings to gain an edge over Augsburg.
Augsburg, on the other hand, will be eager to challenge Union Berlin and improve their standing in the Bundesliga. The Alte Försterei has been a fortress for Union Berlin in past seasons, but Augsburg will look to break that trend. As both teams vie for a better position in the league, this encounter promises to be a competitive and strategic battle on the pitch.
Union Berlin vs Augsburg Prediction & Betting tip
| Betting Tip | Odds |
|---|---|
| Draw | 3.81 |
Looking at the odds and the form of both teams, the best value bet for this Bundesliga clash is a draw. Both Union Berlin and Augsburg have shown inconsistent form recently, and their head-to-head record supports the likelihood of a stalemate.
- Union Berlin and Augsburg have drawn three of their last five encounters, indicating a tendency for balanced outcomes.
- Union Berlin have struggled to find consistent form, winning only one of their last five league matches.
- Augsburg have managed to score in 79% of their matches this season, suggesting they can find the net even in tough games.
Betting Odds
Union Berlin are set to host Augsburg at the Alte Försterei, and the betting odds suggest a closely contested affair. Despite being at home, Union Berlin are not overwhelming favourites, with odds of 2.63. Augsburg, on the other hand, are slightly more favoured at 2.39, indicating the bookies see potential in their away performance.
| Betting Tip | Odds |
|---|---|
| Union Berlin to win | 2.63 |
| Draw | 3.81 |
| Augsburg to win | 2.39 |
The draw is priced at 3.81, which might tempt punters looking for a safer bet in what could be a tight Bundesliga clash. With both teams having their strengths, looking at markets like both teams to score or under 2.5 goals might offer additional value.
Union Berlin Analysis & Past Performance
Union Berlin finds itself in a challenging phase, with just one win in their last five Bundesliga encounters. Their recent outing against Mainz 05, however, was a positive one, with a 3-1 victory, showcasing their potential when firing on all cylinders. Despite this, the team has struggled defensively, conceding 11 goals in their last five matches, resulting in an average of 2.20 goals conceded per game.
| Home Team | Away Team | Outcome | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mainz 05 | Union Berlin | 1 – 3 (Win) | Bundesliga | 10 May 2026 |
| Union Berlin | FC Cologne | 2 – 2 (Draw) | Bundesliga | 2 May 2026 |
| RB Leipzig | Union Berlin | 3 – 1 (Loss) | Bundesliga | 24 Apr 2026 |
| Union Berlin | Wolfsburg | 1 – 2 (Loss) | Bundesliga | 18 Apr 2026 |
| FC Heidenheim | Union Berlin | 3 – 1 (Loss) | Bundesliga | 11 Apr 2026 |
Recent Form:
Offensively, Union Berlin has managed to score in each of their last five games, averaging 1.60 goals per match, which reflects their ability to find the net even when results haven’t favoured them. However, the lack of clean sheets remains a concern, highlighting a defensive frailty that needs addressing. At home, their form has mirrored their overall struggles, with only one win in their last five home matches, reinforcing their inconsistent performances at the Alte Försterei.
Union Berlin’s league position at 12th is indicative of their mid-bottom table standing, and with only nine wins out of 33 matches this season, they have shown moments of brilliance but lacked consistency. Oliver Burke, their top scorer with six goals, remains a crucial player, yet the team’s overall win ratio of 0.27 underlines the need for more cohesive performances both defensively and offensively.
- WDLLL
Union Berlin Suspensions & Injuries
Union Berlin faces the upcoming match with a few key absences due to injuries. Notably, Frederik Rønnow’s thigh injury keeps him out, leaving Carl Klaus to continue his role as the starting goalkeeper. The absence of Derrick Köhn due to suspension adds further strain to the defensive line, necessitating tactical adjustments from coach Marie-Louise Eta. With Robert Skov and Woo-Yeong Jeong doubtful, the midfield depth could be tested, although the starting lineup remains mostly intact.
| Player | Suspension Type | Matches Left | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derrick Köhn | Accumulated Yellow Cards | 1 | Unknown |
The injuries to Matheo Raab and David Preu, both expected to return in late May, limit Union Berlin’s options, particularly in goal and potentially in the defensive setup. However, the starting defenders remain available, which should mitigate the impact somewhat. The coaching staff will need to strategically manage these absences to maintain their competitive edge.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Robert Skov | calf injury | Doubtful |
| Matheo Raab | broken hand | Late May 2026 |
| David Preu | unknown | Late May 2026 |
| Woo-Yeong Jeong | knock | Doubtful |
| Frederik Rønnow | thigh injury | Late May 2026 |
These unavailable players might influence the betting markets slightly, with potential vulnerabilities in the squad depth. However, Union Berlin’s core lineup remains strong, which could still see them as favourites in their home fixture against Augsburg.
Union Berlin Key Players
Union Berlin’s attacking prowess is spearheaded by their top scorer, Oliver Burke, who has netted 6 goals this season. Burke’s versatility and ability to find space in the attacking third make him a constant threat to opposition defences. His role in the midfield not only contributes to scoring but also in orchestrating the play, linking up effectively with forward Andrej Ilić.
In the midfield, Rani Khedira stands out for his ability to control the tempo of the game. His defensive acumen and passing range are crucial in transitioning play from defence to attack. Meanwhile, Christopher Trimmel’s experience and leadership at the back provide stability, with Danilho Doekhi complementing him with his aerial strength and tackling ability.
Expected lineup for Union Berlin:
- Goalkeeper: Carl Klaus
- Defence: Christopher Trimmel, Diogo Leite, Danilho Doekhi, Tom Rothe
- Midfield: Rani Khedira, Aljoscha Kemlein, Oliver Burke, Ilyas Ansah, Livan Burcu
- Forward: Andrej Ilić
The tactical impact of these key players is significant, as they allow Union Berlin to adopt a balanced approach, combining solid defence with swift counter-attacks. Burke’s creative input and goal-scoring ability, complemented by Khedira’s midfield dominance, are likely to be pivotal in shaping the team’s success on the pitch. The defensive solidity provided by Trimmel and Doekhi ensures that Union Berlin remains a formidable unit against any opponent.
Union Berlin Tactics and Formation
Union Berlin Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Andrej Ilić
- Midfield Pivot: Rani Khedira and Aljoscha Kemlein
- Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in the last five games
- Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wide play and crossing opportunities.
Union Berlin’s 4-2-3-1 formation is designed to offer both defensive coverage and attacking width. The midfield duo of Rani Khedira and Aljoscha Kemlein anchors the central zone, providing a mix of defensive resilience and transitional play. Oliver Burke, positioned as an attacking midfielder, is pivotal in creating scoring opportunities, leveraging his vision to support forward Andrej Ilić and wingers Ilyas Ansah and Livan Burcu.
Defensively, Union Berlin relies on experienced full-backs Christopher Trimmel and Tom Rothe to manage the flanks. The central defensive partnership of Diogo Leite and Danilho Doekhi provides aerial strength, yet the team has struggled to maintain clean sheets, conceding in all of their last five matches.
Offensively, Union Berlin’s strategy often involves utilising their wide players to deliver crosses into the box, targeting the physical presence of Andrej Ilić. Despite their recent struggles, scoring in each of their last five games indicates they remain potent in attack.
Augsburg Analysis & Past Performance
Augsburg has shown strong form recently, remaining unbeaten in their last five Bundesliga matches. They have secured three wins against Borussia Mönchengladbach (3-1), Werder Bremen (3-1), and Bayer Leverkusen (2-1), alongside two draws against Eintracht Frankfurt (1-1) and Hoffenheim (2-2). This run has helped them maintain a competitive stance in the league.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Augsburg | Borussia Mönchengladbach | 3 – 1 (Win) | Bundesliga | 9 May 2026 |
| Werder Bremen | Augsburg | 1 – 3 (Win) | Bundesliga | 2 May 2026 |
| Augsburg | Eintracht Frankfurt | 1 – 1 (Draw) | Bundesliga | 25 Apr 2026 |
| Bayer Leverkusen | Augsburg | 1 – 2 (Win) | Bundesliga | 18 Apr 2026 |
| Augsburg | Hoffenheim | 2 – 2 (Draw) | Bundesliga | 10 Apr 2026 |
Recent Form:
Augsburg’s attack has been productive, averaging 2.20 goals per game in their last five matches, with a total of 11 goals scored. However, their defence remains a concern, as they have conceded an average of 1.20 goals per game, with no clean sheets during this period. Their ability to score consistently is noteworthy, having found the back of the net in all of their last five encounters.
Performance Statistics:
- WWDWD
Augsburg’s away form has been relatively solid, with two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five away fixtures. They hold a win ratio of 40% on the road, indicating a potential to challenge opponents even when not on home ground. Key player Michael Gregoritsch has been pivotal, leading the team with six goals this season.
Augsburg Suspensions & Injuries
Augsburg faces a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to both injuries and suspensions. The suspension of Kristijan Jakić, who will miss the match due to an accumulation of yellow cards, leaves a gap in the midfield. In his absence, Han-Noah Massengo is expected to step up, offering a dynamic presence but perhaps lacking Jakić’s defensive solidity.
| Player | Reason for Suspension | Matches Left | Expected Comeback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kristijan Jakić | Yellow Cards | 1 | Unknown |
The injury list is also a concern, with Mads Pedersen and Arthur Chaves sidelined due to knee injuries expected to return in late May. Dimitrios Giannoulis’s thigh injury further complicates the situation, though he might return in about 1-2 weeks. These absences force Augsburg to rely on depth players like Robin Fellhauer to fill defensive roles, potentially impacting their defensive cohesion and tactical flexibility.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Mads Pedersen | knee injury | Late May 2026 |
| Arthur Chaves | knee injury | Late May 2026 |
| Dimitrios Giannoulis | thigh injury | About 1-2 weeks |
The absence of these players could significantly affect Augsburg’s tactics, particularly in maintaining a solid defensive line and fluid transitions in midfield. Betting markets might see these absences as increasing Augsburg’s vulnerability, especially against a Union Berlin side keen on exploiting any defensive frailties.
Augsburg Key Players
Augsburg’s attack will be spearheaded by Michael Gregoritsch, the team’s top scorer with 6 goals this season. Gregoritsch’s ability to find the back of the net is crucial for Augsburg’s offensive strategy, as he combines physical presence with clinical finishing skills, which can be particularly effective against Union Berlin’s defence. His role as the lone forward places him at the heart of Augsburg’s attacking endeavours.
In midfield, Han-Noah Massengo and Fabian Rieder are expected to play pivotal roles. Massengo’s energy and ball-winning capabilities provide a solid base, allowing Rieder to orchestrate play with his passing range and vision. These two could be instrumental in controlling the midfield battle and transitioning play from defence to attack effectively.
Expected lineup for Augsburg:
- Goalkeeper: Finn Dahmen
- Defence: Chrislain Matsima, Jeffrey Gouweleeuw, Cedric Zesiger
- Midfield: Marius Wolf, Han-Noah Massengo, Fabian Rieder, Robin Fellhauer, Anton Kade, Mert Komur
- Forward: Michael Gregoritsch
Augsburg Tactics and Formation
Augsburg Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Key Forward: Michael Gregoritsch
- Midfield Pivot: Han-Noah Massengo and Fabian Rieder
- Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in the last five games
- Notable Strategy: Strong attacking transitions with reliance on wing-backs
Augsburg’s 3-4-2-1 formation focuses on a compact defensive structure with swift transitions into attack. The central defensive trio of Chrislain Matsima, Jeffrey Gouweleeuw, and Cedric Zesiger provides a solid base, although the team has struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding in each of their last five matches.
In midfield, Han-Noah Massengo and Fabian Rieder are pivotal in controlling the tempo and providing defensive cover. Their role is crucial in linking defence to attack, with wing-backs Marius Wolf and Robin Fellhauer offering width and pace on the flanks.
Offensively, Augsburg relies heavily on Michael Gregoritsch, their top scorer, to convert chances created by the attacking midfielders Anton Kade and Mert Komur. The team’s success often hinges on their ability to exploit spaces left by opponents during transitions.
Union Berlin vs Augsburg H2H Record
Union Berlin and Augsburg have faced off 19 times, with Augsburg leading the head-to-head record with 7 wins compared to Union’s 4, alongside 8 draws. Their last meeting ended in a 1-1 draw at Augsburg’s ground in January 2026, showing how closely matched these teams can be.
In the Bundesliga, Union Berlin last hosted Augsburg in January 2025, suffering a 0-2 defeat. This result highlights Augsburg’s ability to perform well away from home, making them a tricky opponent at the Alte Försterei.
| Home Team | Away Team | Score | League | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Augsburg | Union Berlin | 1 – 1 | Bundesliga | 2026-01-15 |
| Augsburg | Union Berlin | 1 – 2 | Bundesliga | 2025-05-17 |
| Union Berlin | Augsburg | 0 – 2 | Bundesliga | 2025-01-15 |
| Augsburg | Union Berlin | 2 – 0 | Bundesliga | 2024-04-12 |
| Union Berlin | Augsburg | 1 – 1 | Bundesliga | 2023-11-25 |
