1. FC Union Berlin will travel to face Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday without their new Swiss midfielder Kastriot Imeri. The 26-year-old, a last-minute signing from Young Boys Bern, still needs to catch up physically, as the club reported according to Bild.
The Iron Ones will kick off at 15:30 against a Bayer Leverkusen side under pressure after a surprising 2-3 loss to promoted club Elversberg. For Union, the away fixture is a historical hurdle: they have never won in seven Bundesliga and two cup matches against Leverkusen. Manager Mauro Lustrinelli's team begins the day in ninth place with one point from one game, sitting two points behind leaders Bayern Munich.
Who is available for Union in Leverkusen?
In goal, first-choice keeper Frederik Rönnow returns. The 34-year-old Dane resumed team training after an injury and flew to the Rhineland on Friday. His deputy, 27-year-old Matheo Raab, had played in the matches against Braunschweig (4-2) and Frankfurt (3-3). In defence, new signing Felix Uduokhai could make his debut. The 28-year-old, who joined from Besiktas, was on the bench for the 3-3 draw with Frankfurt.
Left-back Tom Rothe is certain to play, and he'll do so with a new look. The 21-year-old has cut off his distinctive curly hair and will appear in Leverkusen with a short hairstyle. Lustrinelli told Bild that Rothe came to him and said he could no longer be confused with teammate Leopold Querfeld. A small detail that might bring some luck.
What did manager Lustrinelli say about the opponent?
The 50-year-old Union boss sees Leverkusen's loss to Elversberg as a blueprint. "The Leverkusen players are good if you give them space," said Lustrinelli. "Elversberg has shown how you can perform against Leverkusen." His focus is on pressing the opponent and denying them time for their feared build-up play. The coach is pleased with Rönnow's return: "I'm glad he's back with us. He's on the right track."
What is Union's current Bundesliga standing?
The season is young, but the early numbers are promising. Union is in ninth place with one point from one match. Their goal difference is even, with three goals scored and three conceded. This early snapshot gives the team confidence for the difficult task ahead. All current league and squad data can be found on our Standings and Squad pages.
The next challenge awaits on November 21, when Union hosts current fourth-placed side RB Leipzig at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. Until then, the aim is to collect points in Leverkusen and the following matches. The full schedule is available on our Fixtures page.
