RB Leipzig vs Union Berlin Prediction, Match Preview, April 24th
RB Leipzig will face Union Berlin in a highly anticipated Bundesliga clash on Friday, April 24th. Taking place at the Red Bull Arena Leipzig, this match promises to be a significant encounter in the German top flight. Both teams have shown strong performances this season, making this fixture one to watch for fans and bettors alike.
RB Leipzig, known for their dynamic style, will look to capitalise on their home advantage against Union Berlin, who have been impressive on the road. The outcome of this match could have important implications for their standings in the Bundesliga, as both teams aim to secure crucial points. With the stakes high, this match at the Red Bull Arena Leipzig is set to be a thrilling contest.
RB Leipzig vs Union Berlin Prediction & Betting tip
| Betting Tip | Odds |
|---|---|
| RB Leipzig to Win & Under 3.5 Goals | 1.95 |
Given the current form and head-to-head records, our recommended betting tip is ‘RB Leipzig to win and Under 3.5 goals’. RB Leipzig have been dominant at home, and Union Berlin have struggled to find consistency, especially in away matches.
- RB Leipzig have won their last three consecutive league matches and have been strong at home this season.
- Union Berlin are winless in their last three outings and recently suffered a heavy defeat against Bayern München.
- Head-to-head, RB Leipzig have won the last two home fixtures against Union Berlin with clean sheets, indicating a strong likelihood of a win with few goals conceded.
Betting Odds
RB Leipzig are the clear favourites in this Bundesliga clash, with bookmakers offering short odds on a home win. Union Berlin, on the other hand, are seen as the underdogs, and their odds reflect the challenge they face at the Red Bull Arena.
| Betting Tip | Odds |
|---|---|
| RB Leipzig to win | 1.34 |
| Draw | 5.23 |
| Union Berlin to win | 8.22 |
For those looking to bet on this match, keep an eye on the over 2.5 goals market, as RB Leipzig’s attacking prowess could lead to a high-scoring affair. A draw might also be worth a punt, given the decent returns on offer.
RB Leipzig Analysis & Past Performance
RB Leipzig’s recent form has been impressive, securing four wins out of their last five matches, despite suffering a solitary defeat against VfB Stuttgart. Their strong attacking prowess is evident, with the team netting 11 goals in these matches, averaging 2.20 goals per game. Yan Diomandé has been a pivotal figure in their offensive strategy, contributing significantly with 12 goals this season.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eintracht Frankfurt | RB Leipzig | 1 – 3 (Win) | Bundesliga | 18 Apr 2026 |
| RB Leipzig | Borussia Moenchengladbach | 1 – 0 (Win) | Bundesliga | 11 Apr 2026 |
| Werder Bremen | RB Leipzig | 1 – 2 (Win) | Bundesliga | 4 Apr 2026 |
| RB Leipzig | Hoffenheim | 5 – 0 (Win) | Bundesliga | 20 Mar 2026 |
| VfB Stuttgart | RB Leipzig | 1 – 0 (Loss) | Bundesliga | 15 Mar 2026 |
Recent Form:
- WWWWL
Defensively, RB Leipzig have demonstrated resilience, maintaining two clean sheets in the last five games and conceding an average of just 0.60 goals per match. Their home form has been particularly robust, with a win ratio of 60% in their last five home fixtures, underscoring their defensive solidity and ability to control games at the Red Bull Arena. Currently sitting third in the Bundesliga with 59 points, their tactical efficiency and consistency highlight them as serious contenders in the league.
RB Leipzig Suspensions & Injuries
RB Leipzig face several injury concerns ahead of their clash with Union Berlin, which could significantly impact their tactical setup. Key defender Willi Orbán is sidelined with a thigh injury and is expected to be out for 1-2 weeks. His absence might force coach Ole Werner to rely more heavily on El Chadaille Bitshiabu and Castello Lukeba to maintain defensive solidity. The midfield is also affected, with Ayodele Thomas nursing a muscle injury, potentially ruling him out for the next 1-2 weeks as well.
In the goalkeeping department, Leopold Zingerle’s wrist injury rules him out for the remainder of the season, but Maarten Vandevoordt’s presence in the starting lineup should provide stability. Viggo Gebel’s long-term cruciate ligament injury means Leipzig will look to younger players to fill the void in the squad depth.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Viggo Gebel | cruciate ligament injury | Early July 2026 |
| Suleiman Sani | ankle injury | Early May 2026 |
| Ayodele Thomas | muscle injury | About 1-2 weeks |
| Kosta Nedeljković | back injury | Early May 2026 |
| Leopold Zingerle | wrist injury | Out for the season |
| Ezechiel Banzuzi | knee injury | Early May 2026 |
| Willi Orbán | thigh injury | About 1-2 weeks |
With Ezechiel Banzuzi and Suleiman Sani both expected to return in early May, Leipzig’s depth is stretched thin in the short term. This could lead to tactical adjustments, such as a more conservative approach to maintain balance in the midfield and defence. However, the presence of a strong attacking lineup, including Rômulo Cruz and Antonio Nusa, allows Leipzig to remain competitive up front.
These injuries might influence betting markets, as RB Leipzig’s defensive vulnerabilities could be seen as an advantage for Union Berlin. However, given the depth of talent available, Leipzig remain a formidable opponent capable of overcoming these challenges.
RB Leipzig Key Players
RB Leipzig’s attacking prowess is spearheaded by their top scorer Yan Diomandé, who has found the net 12 times this season. His ability to exploit spaces and finish clinically makes him a constant threat to any defence. Alongside him, Rômulo Cruz and Antonio Nusa add dynamism and creativity in the final third, with Cruz’s vision and Nusa’s pace being vital to Leipzig’s offensive strategies.
In midfield, Nicolas Seiwald and Christoph Baumgartner are instrumental. Seiwald’s role as a playmaker allows him to dictate the tempo and link up play effectively, while Baumgartner’s box-to-box capabilities offer both defensive cover and attacking support. At the back, Ridle Baku’s versatility and Castello Lukeba’s composure are crucial in maintaining defensive solidity.
Expected lineup for RB Leipzig:
- Goalkeeper: Maarten Vandevoordt
- Defenders: Ridle Baku, Castello Lukeba, El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Max Finkgrafe
- Midfielders: Forzan Assan Ouedraogo, Nicolas Seiwald, Christoph Baumgartner
- Forwards: Yan Diomandé, Rômulo Cruz, Antonio Nusa
RB Leipzig Tactics and Formation
RB Leipzig Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Yan Diomandé
- Midfield Anchor: Nicolas Seiwald
- Defensive Structure: Two clean sheets in the last five games
- Notable Strategy: Emphasis on possession and dynamic wing play.
RB Leipzig’s 4-3-3 formation is designed to maximise their attacking prowess while maintaining a balanced defensive setup. With Yan Diomandé leading the line, supported by wingers Rômulo Cruz and Antonio Nusa, Leipzig aim to stretch the opposition’s defence, creating spaces for incisive runs. Nicolas Seiwald plays a crucial role as the midfield anchor, balancing defensive responsibilities with initiating attacks.
Defensively, the absence of Lukas Klostermann and Willi Orbán necessitates adjustments, with Castello Lukeba and El Chadaille Bitshiabu forming the central defensive pairing. Ridle Baku and Max Finkgrafe provide width and stability from the full-back positions. Leipzig’s ability to maintain clean sheets in two of their last five matches underscores their defensive resilience.
Offensively, RB Leipzig focus on maintaining possession and exploiting the flanks through quick transitions and dynamic wing play. Their recent form, scoring an average of 2.20 goals per game in the last five matches, highlights their offensive effectiveness.
Union Berlin Analysis & Past Performance
Union Berlin’s recent form has been inconsistent, as evidenced by their last five matches, which have resulted in one win, one draw, and three losses. This sequence includes a 1-2 home defeat to Wolfsburg and a 3-1 loss at FC Heidenheim. Their only victory during this period was a narrow 1-0 win against Freiburg.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Union Berlin | Wolfsburg | 1 – 2 (Loss) | Bundesliga | 18 Apr 2026 |
| FC Heidenheim | Union Berlin | 3 – 1 (Loss) | Bundesliga | 11 Apr 2026 |
| Union Berlin | St. Pauli | 1 – 1 (Draw) | Bundesliga | 5 Apr 2026 |
| Bayern Munich | Union Berlin | 4 – 0 (Loss) | Bundesliga | 21 Mar 2026 |
| Freiburg | Union Berlin | 0 – 1 (Win) | Bundesliga | 15 Mar 2026 |
Recent Form:
Union Berlin’s offensive struggles are clear, with an average of only 0.80 goals scored per game in their last five outings. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 2.00 goals per game, underscoring a vulnerability at the back. The team has managed only one clean sheet in these five games, indicating a need for greater defensive solidity.
In their away matches this season, Union Berlin have found it particularly challenging, winning just 4 out of 15 games, translating to a win ratio of 27%. Their away form mirrors their general performance struggles, with 9 losses and only 2 draws. Tactically, Union Berlin will need to tighten their defence and increase their attacking efficiency to improve their current league standing of 11th with 32 points.
- LLDLW
Union Berlin Suspensions & Injuries
Union Berlin face the challenge of managing a few key injuries as they head into their clash against RB Leipzig. The absence of Matheo Raab, due to a broken hand, and Robert Skov, who is doubtful with a calf injury, could impact the team’s depth, particularly in the attacking options available to coach Marie-Louise Eta. While Skov’s absence might necessitate adjustments in the forward line, the starting lineup remains largely intact, which should provide some continuity in their tactical approach.
With Woo-Yeong Jeong also sidelined with a knock injury, Union Berlin’s attacking versatility might be slightly compromised. However, the presence of regular starters such as Oliver Burke and Andrej Ilić in the forward positions offers some reassurance. The midfield and defensive lines remain unaffected, allowing the team to maintain its typical structure.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Robert Skov | calf injury | Doubtful |
| Matheo Raab | broken hand | Mid May 2026 |
| David Preu | unknown | Early May 2026 |
| Woo-Yeong Jeong | knock | About 1-2 weeks |
The tactical impact of these injuries may lead to a more conservative approach, relying on a solid defensive setup to counter RB Leipzig’s attacking threats. The betting markets might view these absences as a slight disadvantage for Union Berlin, but the core squad’s strength should not be underestimated, with potential for an effective counter-attacking strategy.
Union Berlin Key Players
Union Berlin’s attacking prowess this season has been spearheaded by Ilyas Ansah, the team’s top scorer with 5 goals. Ansah’s ability to find space and exploit defensive weaknesses makes him a constant threat, particularly when linking up with forwards Oliver Burke and Andrej Ilić. His knack for positioning and finishing will be pivotal in breaking down RB Leipzig’s defence.
In midfield, Rani Khedira’s presence is indispensable, offering both defensive solidity and creative passing from deep. His partnership with Aljoscha Kemlein will be crucial in controlling the pace of the game and transitioning play from defence to attack. On the defensive front, Danilho Doekhi’s leadership and aerial ability will be vital in organising the backline and dealing with Leipzig’s attacking threats.
Expected lineup for Union Berlin:
- Goalkeeper: Frederik Rønnow
- Defence: Danilho Doekhi, Leopold Querfeld, Diogo Leite
- Midfield: Christopher Trimmel, Aljoscha Kemlein, Rani Khedira, Tom Rothe, Ilyas Ansah
- Forward: Oliver Burke, Andrej Ilić
Union Berlin Tactics and Formation
Union Berlin Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-1-2
- Key Forward: Andrej Ilić
- Midfield Engine: Rani Khedira
- Defensive Resilience: Struggled with clean sheets, only one in the last five matches.
- Notable Strategy: Utilises wing-backs for width and counter-attacking opportunities.
Union Berlin’s 3-4-1-2 formation emphasises a strong central defence with Danilho Doekhi, Leopold Querfeld, and Diogo Leite providing the backbone. This setup allows Union Berlin to maintain a compact shape defensively, though they have struggled to keep clean sheets, highlighting a vulnerability in conceding goals.
In the midfield, Rani Khedira plays a pivotal role in both breaking up opposition play and initiating attacks. Flanked by wing-backs Christopher Trimmel and Tom Rothe, Union Berlin look to exploit the flanks, providing width and delivering crosses to forwards Andrej Ilić and Oliver Burke.
Offensively, Union Berlin rely on quick transitions and counter-attacking football. Despite a recent dip in form with just one win in their last five games, the attacking duo of Ilić and Burke are crucial in converting chances created from midfield and wide areas. The absence of players like Robert Skov could impact their attacking versatility.
RB Leipzig vs Union Berlin H2H Record
RB Leipzig and Union Berlin have faced off 18 times, with Leipzig slightly ahead in the head-to-head record, boasting 8 wins compared to Union’s 7, and 3 matches ending in a draw. Their last encounter saw Union Berlin triumph 3-1 at home in the Bundesliga, showcasing their ability to challenge Leipzig.
The last time these two met at the Red Bull Arena, it ended in a goalless draw, but Leipzig had previously secured a 2-0 victory at home in early 2024. Leipzig’s home form against Union has been solid, often keeping a clean sheet.
| Home Side | Away Side | Score | League | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Union Berlin | RB Leipzig | 3 – 1 | Bundesliga | 2025-12-12 |
| Union Berlin | RB Leipzig | 0 – 0 | Bundesliga | 2025-02-01 |
| RB Leipzig | Union Berlin | 0 – 0 | Bundesliga | 2024-09-14 |
| RB Leipzig | Union Berlin | 2 – 0 | Bundesliga | 2024-02-04 |
| Union Berlin | RB Leipzig | 0 – 3 | Bundesliga | 2023-09-03 |


