Union Berlin vs Bayer Leverkusen 15/02/20

15 February 2020

The two sides that have had identical returns from their last three Bundesliga (BL) matches (W2, L1) will face off at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei this weekend, as Union Berlin take on Bayer Leverkusen.

Very cagey at the back recently, the hosts have won three of their last four competitive fixtures (L1), keeping a clean sheet in each of those successes. The ‘clean-sheet theme’ will probably lead Union to eventual success here, given that six of their eight top-flight wins this season were ‘to nil’ (75%). Curiously, none of Union’s ten BL home games this campaign has ended in a draw (W6, L4), with five of their last six such matches yielding the identical 2-0 scoreline (W5, L1). ‘Die Eisernen’ usually turn on their engines in the second half, with 64% (nine) of their 14 BL home goals scored coming after the break. But, Urs Fischer’s side will have to avoid conceding the opener here, as they lost all four of their BL home games in which they’ve allowed the first goal.

Meanwhile, the visitors have won four of five competitive matches since the turn of the year (L1), with all of those games producing over 2.5 goals while three seeing both teams score. Just like Union, all ten of Leverkusen’s BL road games this season have seen one team running away with three points (W6, L4), with ‘Die Werkself’ losing all three league away fixtures in which they’ve shipped the opening goal. Quick-start Leverkusen have managed 69% (11) of their 16 away goals scored in the first half, finding the net inside the opening 15 minutes of play in four of ten league road trips so far. Bayer must be looking forward to this encounter, as they’ve won all three of their competitive H2Hs with Union Berlin, with each of those successes yielding a multiple-goal margin.