Bayer Leverkusen host Union Berlin looking to bounce back from a shock 3-2 opening-day defeat to newly promoted Elversberg. The Werkself sit near the bottom with zero points under new coach Carles Martínez Novell, while Union Berlin earned a hard-fought 3-3 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt and sit mid-table with one point.
Leverkusen have historically dominated this fixture at the BayArena (Union have never won there in multiple attempts and struggled to score on recent visits). The hosts’ home attacking quality and need for a response make them clear favourites, though both sides have shown defensive vulnerability early in the season.
Form Guide
- Bayer Leverkusen: L (Bundesliga) – 2 goals scored, 3 conceded.
- Union Berlin: D – 3 goals scored, 3 conceded.
Team News
Leverkusen
Several attacking doubts: Martin Terrier, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Montrell Culbreath, Nathan Tella and others are injured or doubtful. Moussa Diaby is available after returning. Expected shape (4-2-3-1): Flekken; Quansah, Tapsoba/Bade, Medina, Gutiérrez; García, Fernández; Diaby, Maza, Moreira; Schick.
Union Berlin
Missing several players including Andrej Ilić (illness), Oliver Burke, Stanley Nsoki, Andrik Markgraf and Marvin Friedrich. Goalkeeper Frederik Rønnow may return. Expected shape (4-4-2 or similar): Raab/Rønnow; Juranović, Querfeld, Uduokhai, Rothe; Aebischer, Khedira, Kemlein, Schäfer; Latte Lath, Ljubičić.
Prediction
Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 Union Berlin
Leverkusen should have enough quality and home advantage to claim their first points of the season. Expect an open game with goals at both ends given the early-season defensive issues on both sides.