Union Berlin vs Augsburg: prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 16.05.2026
One of the key fixtures of Bundesliga Matchday 34 will take place this Saturday at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei in Berlin, where the local side Union hosts Augsburg. Here’s my pick for the outcome in this clash: the hosts have already secured survival, while the visitors are still chasing their European dream.
Match preview
Union approach the final round in a much calmer state than just a month ago. The appointment of Marie-Louise Eta was a historic moment for Europe’s top five leagues, and her short stint at the helm has already delivered the main target for the Berliners: Bundesliga safety. In the previous round, the team snatched a thrilling 3-1 win over Mainz, with Oliver Burke and Josip Juranović scoring two quick goals in the dying moments.
This will be Eta's final match in her current role before moving to work with Union’s women’s side, so the emotional backdrop for the hosts is unique. Union will be aiming to win back-to-back matches for the first time since December, but their record against Augsburg is hardly encouraging: just one win in 11 head-to-head clashes and only three goals in the last six encounters. Another issue is personnel shortages, including Derrick Köhn’s suspension and ongoing problems between the posts.
Augsburg travel to Berlin with a far sharper competitive edge. Manuel Baum’s team are still in the hunt for a spot in the Conference League, while direct rivals Freiburg and Eintracht are up against top-four opposition. That means the visitors need nothing less than a win, which should see them set a more aggressive tempo from the opening whistle.
Augsburg’s form is impressive: three victories in their last four outings and an unbeaten Bundesliga run stretching back to March. Their attacking improvement is particularly notable — six goals in the last two rounds show the team has found its attacking rhythm. A return to European competition would be a huge achievement, as Augsburg’s last continental campaign was back in 2015/16, when they reached the Europa League round of 32.
Probable lineups
- Union Berlin: Karius, Trimmel, Leite, Doekhi, Rothe, Khedira, Kemlein, Burke, Ansah, Burcu, Ilic.
- Augsburg: Dahmen, Matsima, Gouweleeuw, Zechiel, Wolf, Massengo, Rieder, Felhauer, Kade, Kömür, Gregoritsch.
Key facts and head-to-head
- Union defeated Mainz 3-1 in the previous round, scoring two decisive goals in the closing stages.
- Augsburg have won three of their last four matches and are unbeaten in the Bundesliga since March.
- Union have beaten Augsburg only once in their previous 11 head-to-head encounters.
- Both teams have scored in 9 of Union’s last 11 Bundesliga home games and in 6 of Augsburg’s last 8 Bundesliga matches on the road.
Prediction
Union received an emotional boost after their victory over Mainz, and Eta’s final match at the helm adds an extra layer of narrative for the hosts. But with their league status secured, Berlin might lack the edge that usually comes from necessity. Defensive and goalkeeping issues also undermine their stability against an opponent currently thriving in attack.
Augsburg look more focused and cohesive in their current form. The visitors know their shot at European football might not come again soon, so they’ll play to win rather than relying on other results. Expect a hard-fought contest, but motivation, unbeaten momentum, and recent attacking output should tip the scales in Baum’s team’s favor.
