Union Berlin vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction - 24th January 2026

The Bundesliga returns after the winter break with a fascinating clash at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei as mid-table Union Berlin host title-chasing Borussia Dortmund. With just six points separating them from the European places, Union will be desperate to build on their mixed home form, while Dortmund, sitting comfortably in second, need to keep pace with the relentless Bayern Munich. The data tells a compelling story of two teams whose recent patterns suggest goals are on the menu. Union Berlin's form is a tale of resilience mixed with vulnerability. They've drawn their last three matches, holding Stuttgart (1-1), Augsburg (1-1), and Mainz (2-2). That 2-2 draw with Mainz was at home, continuing a concerning trend: in their last four home fixtures, they've conceded a worrying two goals per game. While they pulled off a stunning 3-1 victory over a strong RB Leipzig side in December, that result is bookended by a 2-3 DFB Pokal loss to Bayern and, more alarmingly, a 1-2 defeat to lowly Heidenheim. Their statistics are revealing: an 80% rate of both teams scoring in their last ten games, and at home, they average 2.0 goals scored but also 2.0 goals conceded. They create chances (13.75 shots per home game) but are defensively porous. Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, arrive off the back of a 0-2 Champions League defeat to Tottenham, but their domestic form has been solid. They've won three of their last four Bundesliga outings, including a 3-2 victory over FC St. Pauli and a 3-0 thrashing of Werder Bremen. Their away form shows a team that gets results but isn't impregnable: a thrilling 3-3 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt and a 1-1 draw at SC Freiburg. Crucially, they concede an average of 1.75 goals per game on the road. The head-to-head history screams dominance for Dortmund, with seven wins from nine meetings, including a comprehensive 0-3 victory in the reverse fixture this season. However, Union have won two of the four encounters on their own turf, proving they can be a tough nut to crack at home. When we drill into the numbers, the case for goals strengthens. The Poisson goal expectancies point to a high-scoring affair (Home 1.88, Away 1.75). Union's last four home games have all featured at least three goals and both teams scoring. Dortmund's attack, averaging 1.5 goals away, should find joy against a defence that ships two per game at home. Conversely, Union's potent home attack (2.0 goals/game) will fancy their chances against a Dortmund backline that has kept just one clean sheet in their last three away trips. The fatigue factor slightly favours Union, who have had six days' rest compared to Dortmund's four, but the quality gap remains significant. **Key Points:** * Union Berlin have seen Both Teams Score in 80% of their last 10 matches. * Union's home games average 4.0 total goals (2.0 for, 2.0 against). * Dortmund concede 1.75 goals per game on their travels. * The last four H2H meetings have all seen Over 2.5 Goals. * Union's last four home fixtures all finished with Both Teams Scoring and Over 2.5 Goals. * Dortmund's last three away Bundesliga games averaged 3.33 total goals. From a betting perspective, the market offers value. The odds for Both Teams to Score - Yes sit at 1.75. Given the overwhelming statistical evidence—Union's defensive leaks at home, their ability to score, and Dortmund's potent but sometimes vulnerable away performances—I estimate the true probability of both teams scoring is around 65%. This creates a significant positive expected value, making it the standout bet for this fixture. While Dortmund are justifiable favourites for the win at 2.00, their patchy away form and Union's home spirit make the straight win riskier. The goal markets are tempting, but BTTS Yes captures the essential dynamic of this match most reliably. **Summary:** Expect an open, end-to-end contest. Union Berlin will attack with belief in front of their home support, but their defensive frailties will be exposed by a Dortmund side with superior quality. Both nets should ripple. The smart money is on **Both Teams to Score - Yes** at attractive odds of 1.75.