Union Berlin host Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday in a crucial Bundesliga fixture at Stadion An der Alten Forsterei. Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen, the defending champions, aim to regain momentum as they currently sit fourth with 20 points from 11 games.
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Meanwhile, Union Berlin, positioned 10th with 16 points, hope to turn their season around following a 1-0 loss to Wolfsburg last weekend.
Match Preview
Union Berlin struggled offensively against Wolfsburg, generating only 0.51 xG and failing to create clear chances. Despite their defensive resilience, which has limited opponents to just nine goals this season, their attack remains one of the league’s weakest, also scoring just nine goals. Manager Bo Svensson criticized his team’s lack of courage but conceded they could have deserved a draw after an improved second-half performance.
Die Eisernen are winless in their last five league games, with three losses and two draws, and have failed to score in their past four outings. However, their home form offers a glimmer of hope, as they remain unbeaten at Alten Forsterei this season, with three wins and two draws.
Leverkusen, on the other hand, have been inconsistent this season, trailing Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich by nine points. Last season’s champions have already dropped points six times, as many as they did throughout the entire 2023-24 campaign. Despite this, Alonso’s side delivered an emphatic 5-2 win over Heidenheim last weekend, ending a run of three consecutive league draws.
The visitors also shined in Europe, thrashing RB Salzburg 5-0 in the Champions League to climb to sixth in the standings with 10 points. While their form has been patchy, Leverkusen have shown glimpses of brilliance, scoring 11 goals in their last three games across all competitions. Away from home, they have been tough to beat, with one loss and four draws in their last five road games.
Team News
Union Berlin face significant injury challenges. Striker Andrej Ilic, center-back Diogo Leite, and goalkeeper Yannic Stein are all sidelined. Frederik Ronnow will start in goal, while a back three of Danilho Doekhi, Kevin Vogt, and Leopold Querfeld is likely. Upfront, Svensson may rely on Woo-Yeong Jeong, Jordan Siebatcheu, and Benedict Hollerbach in Ilic’s absence.
Leverkusen will also miss key players, including attackers Amine Adli, Victor Boniface, Jonas Hofmann, and Martin Terrier. Florian Wirtz and Patrik Schick are expected to lead the line, with Granit Xhaka, Robert Andrich, and Aleix Garcia controlling midfield. Defenders Jeanuel Belocian and Nordi Mukiele are unavailable, prompting Alonso to stick with a back three of Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapie.
Predicted Lineups
Union Berlin:
Ronnow; Doekhi, Vogt, Querfeld; Trimmel, Kemlein, Khedira, Rothe; Jeong, Siebatcheu, Hollerbach
Bayer Leverkusen:
Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Xhaka, Andrich, Garcia, Grimaldo; Wirtz, Schick
Union Berlin’s defensive solidity will be tested against Leverkusen’s attacking flair, and with both sides needing a boost, this clash promises to be a thrilling encounter.
