Bundesliga: Die Werkself Aim to Break Down the Berlin Wall in Opener

Union Berlin vs Bayer Leverkusen

The 2021/22 Bundesliga season is finally here and there’ll be a number of mouthwatering games on the menu that the fans can indulge in.

Union Berlin vs Bayer Leverkusen is definitely one of them as these two clubs are eager to kick off the new campaign on a solid note by grabbing their first three points this weekend.

Both teams were neighbors in the Bundesliga table last season since Bayer Leverkusen finished at sixth while Union Berlin are at seventh.

It was a considered disappointing end to what was once a promising run for Bayer Leverkusen. In stark contrast, Union Berlin were one of the success stories during their second consecutive season at the German top-flight.

Compared to last season because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alte Forestei Stadium is going to be packed by fans and Urs Fischer’s men are determined to give them a good show.

As we look forward to the beginning of the new season, here at SBOTOP, we examine these two clubs here in our match preview.

Talking Points

Union Berlin prepare for a big test

Die Eisernen have a tough road ahead in the 2021/22 season since they are going for higher ambitions.

After finishing seventh last term, Union Berlin have qualified in the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League – marking their return to European competition after a 20-year wait.

With more games added to their schedule, Urs Fischer has his work cut out for him since he’ll have to balance their domestic and European commitments.

Union Berlin ace Max Kruse is ready to return on the Bundesliga pitch in upcoming match against Bayer Leverkusen — Max Kruse celebrates scoring Union Berlin’s first goal against Turkgucu Munich at Grunwalder Stadion.

Bundesliga teams, in general, have been quiet in the transfer market. However, despite being limited by their financial constraints, Fischer wasted no time in strengthening his group.

Union Berlin’s first order of business was to sign Keita Endo and Taiwo Awoniyi to permanent deals and they’ve brought in former VfB Stuttgart defender Timo Baumgartl, who is a loanee from PSV Eindhoven.

After an injury-riddled year, Anthony Ujah is ready to return to shore up their attacking front led by top scorer Max Kruse, who finished with 11 goals from 22 appearances.

A repeat of last season would be fantastic for Die Eisernen but any improvements from their seventh-place finish would be ideal.

Patrik Schick poised for a breakout year

Patrik Schick has established himself as a must-see star to watch out for in the new Bundesliga season after his exemplary performance during Euro 2020.

The 25-year-old striker shared the Golden Boot trophy with five goals, and he gave Czech fans a reason for optimism in future international tournaments.

Schick’s 50-yard goal versus Scotland is easily one of the best moments in Euro 2020, and us neutrals can’t wait to see him create more Bundesliga 2021 highlights this term.

He’ll be joined by the likes of Florian Wirtz, Moussa Diaby, Karim Bellarabi, and Lucas Alario to spearhead their frontline. And with new manager Gerardo Seoane at the helm, who is a three-time Swiss Super League champion, Bayer Leverkusen are going to be a tough nut to crack this season.

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History

Urs Fischer and Gerardo Seoane have already known each other since their days at the Swiss Super League, winning five of the last six championships there. But surprisingly, this Saturday marks the first time ever that they’ll square off.

Union Berlin have had jitters on opening day since they’ve lost their first match in their last two Bundesliga seasons and they are hopeful that they can break such streak.

Bayer Leverkusen have also had a hard time in the openers recently since they’ve only won once in their last five (D1, L3).

Furthermore, Die Eisernen lost all of their first five competitive matches against Die Werkself but they were undefeated in their two meetings last term (W1, D1).

Betting Tip

	Union Berlin vs Bayer Leverkusen	Bayer Leverkusen Asian Handicap -0.00 @ 1.81
	August 14, 21:30 (GMT+8)

The Bundesliga 2021 odds point to a close affair between the hosts and the visitors.

Bayer Leverkusen have the slender advantage at 2.51, while Union Berlin are pegged at 2.79 and a draw is at 3.20 in the 1×2 market.

Union Berlin may be undefeated against Bayer Leverkusen in their last two competitive matches but the visitors are in scintillating form since they’re unbeaten in their last eight games in all competitions.

Fresh from their 3-0 victory over Lokomotive Leipzig in the DFB Pokal first round, the Gerardo Seoane era is off to a great start and they’ll have significant momentum ahead of the opener.

And that should be enough against the hosts this weekend. Hopefully for them moving forward, though, Die Werkself won’t flame out late just like what happened last season.