Prediction and odds analysis for Dortmund vs Union Berlin at 23:30 on August 31, Bundesliga round 2

Preview and betting odds for Dortmund vs Union Berlin (23:30, 31/8). Forecast of the outcome, expected lineups, and expert insights for the Bundesliga round 2 clash between Dortmund and Union Berlin.

Match preview: Dortmund vs Union Berlin

90-minute odds: 0 : 1 1/4

Total goals: 3 1/4

Borussia Dortmund started the 2025/26 season disappointingly with a 3-3 draw against St Pauli, despite leading 3-1 until the 86th minute. This marks the first time in 11 years that Dortmund failed to win their Bundesliga opener and risks repeating a two-match winless streak at the start of the season since 2007/08. Their attack remains strong, scoring at least 3 goals in their last 6 Bundesliga matches. Coach Niko Kovac led the team to a 1-0 victory over Rot-Weiss Essen in the DFB-Pokal on August 18, maintaining a 10-match unbeaten run domestically (8 wins). The upcoming fixture is Dortmund’s first home game of the season at Signal Iduna Park, where they secured 5 consecutive wins last season.

Union Berlin won 2-0 against Stuttgart in round 1, scoring from just 2 shots on target despite an xG of only 0.34. At the end of the 2024/25 season, they scored 9 goals in their last 5 matches. Coach Steffen Baumgart guided Union to a commanding 5-0 win over FC Gutersloh in the DFB-Pokal on August 15, although last season they only won 2 of their first 5 matches. Union has remained unbeaten in 7 of their last 8 competitive games, drawing 4. They are currently on a 5-match away unbeaten streak in the Bundesliga and if they avoid defeat against Dortmund, they will equal the club record set in 2022.

Dortmund holds superiority in attack and home advantage but has defensive vulnerabilities. Union plays pragmatically and could pose challenges. Dortmund is predicted to edge out a narrow win due to their squad quality.