German Bundesliga
2025-08-23 - Union Berlin vs VfB Stuttgart
A Sports Betting Pick by Niko
Football; Germany: Bundesliga
Stadion An der Alten Försterei – Berlin
Saturday, 23rd August 2025 - kickoff 15:30 CET
Union Berlin
Union Berlin finished 13th in the Bundesliga after going through a great run in the second part of the season, when they remained unbeaten in 9 of their last 10 matches (four wins, five draws).
This will be the seventh consecutive Bundesliga season for the Berliners, with their most recent seasons being the most worrying.
Since they entered the Bundesliga in 2019, Union Berlin finished 11th, 7th, 5th, and 4th. However, they flirted with relegation in the most recent two seasons, finishing 15th and 13th. They are a stable side, but I do not see them getting out of the lower half of the table this Bundesliga season.
Union Berlin tends to be a slow starter, often finding rhythm only after the break. In the spring (last April), they drew 4–4 against VfB Stuttgart. If they impose their pace early and lean on set-pieces, they can dominate midfield, but mistakes can still come back to bite them.
VfB Stuttgart
VfB Stuttgart were generally stronger last season, landing 9th in the table with a positive goal difference. They made some notable summer moves, such as bringing in Lorenz Assignon to strengthen the right-back spot, showing they want to upgrade their depth and balance.
There’s also drama behind the scenes, with Bayern Munich sniffing around promising talent Nick Woltemade, but VfB Stuttgart firmly rejecting bids and keeping him in their plans. That kind of off-field tension could go either way - galvanizing the squad or creating distractions.
An interesting fact is that VfB Stuttgart won more points away last season (27) than they did at home (23). However, they haven't won away from home in the opening round of the Bundesliga since beating Borussia Monchengladbach 1-3 in 2008.
The Betting Verdict
This one smells tight – two likely mid-table teams scrapping for opening points. VfB Stuttgart look more solid on paper, but Union Berlin’s home edge at An der Alten Försterei can be a leveling factor.
I lean on VfB Stuttgart to win, as they have the depth edge. If you are chasing a bit more juice, under 2.5 goals looks like a good move. Union Berlin’s defense is sketchy, and VfB Stuttgart tends to be more conservative on the road.
My main recommendation is backing the Under in the match.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Union Berlin 0-1 VfB Stuttgart
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
Take under 2.5 goals at odds of 2.20 with Bet365
