Dortmund vs Union Berlin Prediction & Betting Tips (31 August)

Borussia Dortmund welcomes Union Berlin in a Bundesliga clash that promises intensity and tactical intrigue. Dortmund enters the fixture buoyed by a productive summer, having secured the permanent signing of Carney Chukwuemeka from Chelsea and added Jobe Bellingham to their midfield ranks. Coach Niko Kovac, whose contract was recently extended until 2027, has emphasized continuity and ambition, aiming to build on last season’s fifth-place finish. Their opening win against St. Pauli showcased a balanced side, with Serhou Guirassy and Karim Adeyemi leading the line and new additions like Yan Couto and Bellingham integrating smoothly.

Union Berlin, meanwhile, arrives with quiet confidence after a gritty 1-0 win over Stuttgart, courtesy of a stunning debut goal from Ilyas Ansah. The 19-year-old forward, likened to Thierry Henry in style, has quickly become the talk of Köpenick. Coach Steffen Baumgart, known for his high-energy approach, has instilled a sense of belief in a squad that struggled in pre-season but found rhythm when it mattered. The acquisition of Derrick Köhn from Galatasaray adds depth to their left flank, and Frederik Rønnow’s heroics in goal continue to be a pillar of their defensive resilience.



Tactically, Dortmund will look to dominate possession and exploit Union’s compact shape with vertical runs from Adeyemi and overlapping support from Ryerson and Sabitzer. Union, on the other hand, thrives on transitions and set pieces, with Trimmel’s deliveries and Schäfer’s midfield tenacity key to disrupting Dortmund’s rhythm. The battle between Guirassy and Doekhi could be decisive, as Union’s backline will be tested by Dortmund’s fluid attacking movement. Expect Baumgart to deploy a disciplined 5-3-2, aiming to frustrate and counter with pace.

In a match that balances flair against grit, Dortmund’s superior depth and home advantage should tilt the scales. Union Berlin will not go quietly, especially with Ansah’s emergence adding unpredictability to their attack. However, Dortmund’s midfield control and Kovac’s tactical maturity are likely to edge them ahead. A 2-1 scoreline feels fitting—Dortmund to strike twice through Adeyemi and Sabitzer, with Union replying via a set-piece finish from Trimmel. It won’t be a walkover, but it will be a statement.

• Summary: Borussia Dortmund is going head to head with 1. FC Union Berlin starting on 31 Aug 2025 at 15:30 UTC at Signal Iduna Park stadium, Dortmund city, Germany. The match is a part of the Bundesliga .
• Referee: Daniel Schlager
• Dortmund Feedinco Rating: 7.03
• Union Berlin Feedinco Rating: 6.73