Union Berlin vs Bayer Leverkusen

High-flying Bayer Leverkusen head to the Stadion An der Alten Forsterei to encounter Union Berlin in a high-stakes Bundesliga fixture.

After suffering a minor setback with one draw and two losses in three competitive matches, Union Berlin returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach in their last outing. Urs Fischer’s men now head back to their home turf, aiming to preserve an eye-catching trend of going unbeaten in all 14 Bundesliga matches this season (W9, D5). At the end of the previous round, ‘Die Eisernen’ were only two points behind Freiburg in fourth place. Therefore, winning their upcoming match could be vital in maintaining their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. Additionally, seeking revenge against Bayer Leverkusen could provide extra motivation, as ‘Die Werkself’ inflicted the heaviest loss on Union this season (5-0) in November.

As for Bayer Leverkusen, last weekend’s morale-boosting 2-0 home triumph over RB Leipzig stretched the visitors’ outrageous unbeaten streak in all competitions to 13 games (W10, D3), reigniting their top-four hopes. With fourth-placed Freiburg now six points away, Xabi Alonso’s men cannot put the brakes on their renaissance yet, especially considering they visit a Berlin side they’ve gone unbeaten against in their last two top-flight away H2Hs (D1, L1). However, ‘Die Werkself’ will relish the timing of this trip after going unbeaten on their last eight competitive travels (W6, D2), netting 2+ goals six times in this run. Leverkusen’s strength will be put to the test in this match since they’ve suffered three defeats on their last four Bundesliga visits to sides sitting above them in the standings (D1).