Bayer Leverkusen - Union Berlin
When: 15:30
Where: Bundesliga
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen faces a demanding challenge with their third match within eight days. Head coach Kasper Hjulmand has limited rotation options, which significantly increases the strain on the team. So far, the team has not delivered a consolidated performance; often individual components work well, but the team does not yet function as a unit. The last convincing match was the 3-1 win against Eintracht Frankfurt, in which the team played more adaptively than dominantly. Last weekend, Bayer failed against St. Pauli’s pressing, had to concede many set pieces, and appeared tactically inferior. However, Alejandro Grimaldo once again demonstrated his class with two impressive assists.
Union Berlin
Union Berlin presents itself as a predictable but effective team, which recently deviated from their usually high-scoring style with a 0-0 draw against Hamburg. Their main principle lies in luring the opponent into their own half and then playing quick, advancing passes to their offense. Union has the lowest ball possession in the league yet stands ninth with a strong expected goals value. This shows the effectiveness of their concept, even though the defense has become more vulnerable. Their coach Steffen Baumgart managed to earn a 0-0 draw against Bayer Leverkusen last year, indicating a similarly strong performance this time.
Injuries
Bayer has to do without Palacios, Thiaw, and Schick due to injuries. Sarkozy is with the national team, and Tapsoba, Vasquez, and Tella are doubtful. Union definitely misses Markgraf and Burju, and Nsoki, Juranovic, and Skov are also doubtful.
Direct Encounters
Bayer Leverkusen scored at least twice in six of eight home games against Union. Union scored in five of seven games against European club teams but is especially vulnerable in the second half, as suggested by seven of eleven conceded goals. The last meeting in Berlin ended with many yellow cards, indicating an intense match.
Match Prediction
Although Bayer Leverkusen currently does not act as a united team and the strain is high, the quality of the squad and home strength favor the Werkself. Union Berlin plays smart and will try to earn points, but Bayer boasts more individual class and the necessary impact to win the game. The third game in a short time does pose a burden for Bayer, but defensive stability remains intact. Against this backdrop, a bet on Bayer Leverkusen’s victory at an attractive odds of 1.68 is recommended.
My Tip: Bayer Leverkusen win (1.68)
Tip