Union Berlin vs. Bayer Leverkusen preview: Die Werkself out to continue red-hot form

Bayer Leverkusen will look to extend their seven-game unbeaten run when they take on Union Berlin in Saturday’s clash at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.

Union Berlin

Union are still searching for their first win of 2026 after failing to win all of their seven Bundesliga matches since the turn of the year (D4, L3). In fact, Steffen Baumgart’s side have lost three of their previous four matches, including a 3-2 loss in last Saturday’s away clash against Hamburg. As a result of their poor form, Union have slipped into the bottom half of the table, although they still boast a healthy six-point gap to the bottom three.

They will be desperate to claim their first league win since December in Saturday’s home fixture, but that will be easier said than done for a club that has not beaten Leverkusen since picking up a 1-0 victory in January 2021. The first goal could dictate Union’s chances of victory, given the fact that they have failed to win any of the 11 Bundesliga games in which they have conceded first this term (D4, L7). 

Team News

Union are unable to call upon the services of Diogo Leite, Tom Roth, Josip Juranović and Robert Skov. 

Predicted lineup: Rønnow; Doekhi, Querfeld, Nsoki; Haberer, Khedira, Kemlein, Köhn; Jeong, Burke; Ilić

Bayer Leverkusen

In contrast to their hosts, Leverkusen will head into the weekend in high spirits after winning six of their previous seven competitive matches (D1), including their last two. Kasper Hjulmand’s side cruised to a 4-0 victory in last Saturday’s Bundesliga home clash with St. Pauli, before they recorded a 2-0 success in Thursday’s Europa League meeting with Olympiacos. Patrik Schick’s quickfire brace has put Leverkusen in a strong position in their knockout phase playoff tie ahead of next week’s return leg at the BayArena.

While they may have one eye on the second leg, Leverkusen will turn their focus back to their Champions League qualification bid. As it stands, Leverkusen are sitting in sixth spot and three points adrift of the top four after winning 12, drawing three and losing six of their 21 league matches this season. 

They should fancy their chances of taking maximum points from Saturday’s fixture, having won four of their previous five games against Union, including a 2-0 victory in October’s reverse fixture. 

Team News

Goalkeeper Mark Flekken remains sidelined with a knee injury, while Eliesse Ben Seghir and Nathan Tella are out with ankle and foot injuries respectively. 

Predicted lineup: Blaswich; Quansah, Badé, Tapsoba; Arthur, Fernández, García, Grimaldo; Tillman, Terrier; Kofane