Borussia Dortmund vs. Union Berlin Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 31 August 2025

As the Bundesliga continues into its second round, Borussia Dortmund hosts Union Berlin at Signal Iduna Park. This match is crucial for both teams as they strive to solidify their early season standings. Dortmund, managed by Niko Kovač, looks to bounce back from an opening day draw against St. Pauli. Key transfers like Fabio Silva and Carney Chukwuemeka suggest a determined push towards a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
Union Berlin, starting the season positively with a win against VfB Stuttgart, will need to capitalize on this momentum. Coach Steffen Baumgart aims to secure at least a point in this tough away game. Dortmund fans will be hopeful despite injuries to key players like Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck.
Expect an exciting match with plenty of goals, as recent form and historical encounters indicate high-scoring games. Bookmakers favor Dortmund, and betting tips suggest placing bets on over 3.5 goals given both teams’ attacking prowess. Referee Daniel Schlager will oversee this intriguing clash expected to shape early standings in the Bundesliga.

Borussia Dortmund vs Union Berlin Prediction & Betting Tip

Given both teams’ current form and historical encounters, our recommended betting tip for this Bundesliga clash is "Over 3.5 goals".

• Borussia Dortmund’s last five games have seen an average of 3.20 goals scored, indicating their attacking strength.
• Union Berlin has shown goal-scoring ability in recent matches, averaging 1.40 goals in their last five games.
• Historical data shows that more than 2.5 goals have been scored in 75% of their past eight encounters.

Expect an entertaining and high-scoring match as both teams bring their attacking games to the forefront.

Borussia Dortmund vs Union Berlin Odds

The betting odds for this Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Union Berlin highlight Dortmund as the clear favorites. Given their home advantage and strong squad, bookmakers lean heavily towards a Dortmund victory.

As you can see, a bet on Dortmund to win offers lower returns due to their favorite status, whereas betting on Union Berlin yields high returns, reflecting the challenges they face.
Interestingly, the high odds for a draw or Union Berlin win suggest that while Dortmund is expected to dominate, surprises in football are not uncommon, especially with strong competition early in the season. This makes the match a thrilling prospect for both fans and bettors alike.

Borussia Dortmund Team Analysis

Borussia Dortmund Recent Performance:

Borussia Dortmund has experienced a mixed set of results in their last five matches. Their recent form includes:

• St. Pauli 3-3 Borussia Dortmund (Draw)
• RW Essen 0-1 Borussia Dortmund (Win)
• Borussia Dortmund 1-2 Juventus (Loss)
• Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Lille (Win)
• Sportfreunde Siegen 1-8 Borussia Dortmund (Win)

Dortmund’s attacking ability is clear, averaging an impressive 3.2 goals per game in their last five matches. However, they’ve only managed one clean sheet in this period, demonstrating some defensive vulnerabilities. Dortmund’s opening draw against St. Pauli highlighted their scoring power but also pointed to their need for greater defensive stability.
As Niko Kovač’s team gears up for this home clash against Union Berlin, they will aim to capitalize on their attacking prowess while tightening their defense, especially with key players like Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck out due to injuries.

Borussia Dortmund Key Players

Borussia Dortmund’s attacking line will be spearheaded by Serhou Guirassy, who has already opened his account this season with a goal. Guirassy will be crucial in breaking down Union Berlin’s defense, particularly in tandem with Karim Adeyemi. Adeyemi’s speed and dribbling skills can create significant problems for Union Berlin’s backline.
Dortmund’s midfield will feature Marcel Sabitzer and Pascal Groß, both of whom are capable of creating scoring opportunities and dictating the pace of the game. On the defensive side, Waldemar Anton, who has also netted a goal this season, will need to hold strong alongside Ramy Bensebaini, especially in the absence of key defenders like Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Süle.

Expected lineup for Borussia Dortmund:

• Goalkeeper: Gregor Kobel
• Defenders: Almugera Kabar, Waldemar Anton, Ramy Bensebaini
• Midfielders: Yan Couto, Pascal Groß, Marcel Sabitzer, Daniel Svensson, Jobe Bellingham
• Forwards: Serhou Guirassy, Karim Adeyemi

Key individual battles will include Guirassy versus Union Berlin’s Danilho Doekhi and Karim Adeyemi against Tom Rothe, each likely shaping the game’s outcome.

Borussia Dortmund Suspensions & Injuries

Borussia Dortmund faces some notable absences due to both injuries and suspensions for this match against Union Berlin. Nico Schlotterbeck is sidelined with a meniscus injury and is expected to return mid-October 2025. Emre Can and Julien Duranville are dealing with a groin injury and a dislocated shoulder, respectively, with potential returns early September. Niklas Süle is also out due to a calf injury, aiming for a mid-October comeback.
In addition to these injuries, Filippo Mane is serving a suspension due to a red card, leaving a gap in the defense. These absences could affect Dortmund’s defensive solidity and midfield strength, making it imperative for other players to step up their game.

Borussia Dortmund Tactics and Formation

Borussia Dortmund is expected to line up in a 3-5-2 formation under the guidance of coach Niko Kovač. This formation helps them leverage their attacking depth and midfield creativity.

Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forwards: Serhou Guirassy and Karim Adeyemi
• Midfield Trio: Pascal Groß, Marcel Sabitzer, Jobe Bellingham
• Defensive Structure: The backline will be maintained by Almugera Kabar, Waldemar Anton, and Ramy Bensebaini.
• Notable Strategy: Dortmund has an impressive average of 3.2 goals scored in their last five matches. They are likely to focus on exploiting the wings, using the pace and dribbling skills of Yan Couto and Daniel Svensson.

With injuries to key defenders, Dortmund’s strategy will focus on maintaining possession and pressing high to mitigate defensive vulnerabilities.

Union Berlin Team Analysis

Union Berlin Recent Performance:

Union Berlin has had a mixed run of form in their last five matches, displaying some inconsistency. Their recent performances include:

• Union Berlin 2-1 VfB Stuttgart (Win)
• FC Guetersloh 0-5 Union Berlin (Win)
• Union Berlin 0-1 Olympiacos (Loss)
• Union Berlin 0-1 Espanyol (Loss)
• Union Berlin 0-1 FC Schweinfurt (Loss)

With an average of 1.4 goals scored per game in their last five matches, Union Berlin has demonstrated offensive capability, albeit inconsistent. They have managed one clean sheet in this period, indicating some struggles in maintaining defensive solidity. Their recent victory against Stuttgart was a positive step, reflecting an improved attacking impetus.
With Steffen Baumgart at the helm, Union Berlin will look to maintain their momentum from their recent wins as they face a formidable opponent in Borussia Dortmund. Tightening their defense while capitalizing on scoring opportunities will be critical in this upcoming match.

Union Berlin Key Players

Union Berlin’s attacking threat will be spearheaded by Ilyas Ansah, who has already netted twice this season. His impressive form in front of goal will be crucial for Union Berlin as they take on Borussia Dortmund. Alongside him, Andrej Ilic will look to capitalize on any defensive lapses from their opponents.
In the midfield, Rani Khedira and Andras Schafer will play pivotal roles, both in linking up the play and in defensive duties. Janik Haberer’s creative abilities will be essential in providing opportunities for the forwards.
On the defensive front, Danilho Doekhi, Leopold Querfeld, and Tom Rothe will face a stern test against Dortmund’s potent attacking line-up.

Expected lineup for Union Berlin:

• Goalkeeper: Frederik Rønnow
• Defenders: Danilho Doekhi, Leopold Querfeld, Tom Rothe
• Midfielders: Christopher Trimmel, Rani Khedira, Andras Schafer, Janik Haberer, Robert Skov
• Forwards: Andrej Ilic, Ilyas Ansah

Key individual battles will include Ilyas Ansah versus Waldemar Anton and Andrej Ilic against Ramy Bensebaini, each playing a vital role in determining the match’s outcome.

Union Berlin Suspensions & Injuries

Union Berlin faces a few injury concerns heading into their clash with Borussia Dortmund. Oluwaseun Ogbemudia is doubtful for the match due to a knock injury, while Stanley N’Soki is sidelined with a thigh injury, targeting a mid-September return. Additionally, Lucas Tousart is battling an illness but is expected to recover within a few days. Andrik Markgraf and Livan Burcu are also unavailable; Markgraf suffers from an unknown injury, and Burcu is out with an ankle injury, targeting a return in late September.
These absences could affect Union Berlin’s defensive stability and midfield depth, making it crucial for other squad members to step up. Nevertheless, with key players like Ilyas Ansah in form, Union Berlin will still pose a significant threat.

Union Berlin Tactics and Formation

Union Berlin, coached by Steffen Baumgart, is likely to adopt a 3-5-2 formation for their away game against Borussia Dortmund. This setup aims to offer both defensive solidity and offensive flexibility.

Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forwards: Andrej Ilic and Ilyas Ansah
• Midfield Core: Rani Khedira as a defensive anchor, supported by Andras Schafer and Janik Haberer in central roles
• Wing Utility: Christopher Trimmel and Robert Skov to provide width and flank support both offensively and defensively
• Defensive Structure: The backline comprising Danilho Doekhi, Leopold Querfeld, and Tom Rothe

Union Berlin’s focus will be on a disciplined defensive performance, given their recent inconsistencies. They will aim to capitalize on counter-attacks and set pieces, leveraging the speed and goal-scoring abilities of Ilyas Ansah and Andrej Ilic.
Maintaining compactness in midfield and utilizing wing-backs for support will be crucial in handling Dortmund’s potent offensive players.

Borussia Dortmund vs Union Berlin Head-to-Head Statistics

The recent head-to-head encounters between Borussia Dortmund and Union Berlin have been entertaining and goal-laden affairs. Over their last five meetings:

• 2025-02-22: Borussia Dortmund 6-0 Union Berlin
• 2024-10-05: Union Berlin 2-1 Borussia Dortmund
• 2024-03-02: Union Berlin 0-2 Borussia Dortmund
• 2023-10-07: Borussia Dortmund 4-2 Union Berlin
• 2023-04-08: Borussia Dortmund 2-1 Union Berlin

Dortmund has dominated these matchups, winning four out of the five encounters. Notably, more than 2.5 goals were scored in 75% of these games, highlighting the high-scoring nature when these teams face off.
Given Dortmund’s potent attack, averaging 3.20 goals in their last five matches, and Union Berlin’s recent form, this game promises to be another thrilling chapter in their head-to-head history.

Odds accurate as of 29.08.2025 16:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.