Wolfsburg vs. Union Berlin preview: Die Eisernen warm up for Champions League debut
Two sides with six points to their name will face off on Saturday when Union Berlin travel to the Volkswagen Arena for a Bundesliga meeting with Wolfsburg.
| Photo: 1. FC Union Berlin |
Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg made a positive start to the Bundesliga season, claiming consecutive wins over Heidenheim and FC Köln. However, they were unable to carry their winning run into the international break after they were left empty-handed following their away meeting with Hoffenheim. Tiago Tomás gave his side the lead in the 36th minute, but goals from John Brooks, Maximilian Beier and Robert Skov condemned Wolfsburg to a 3-1 defeat.
While they may have missed the chance to maintain their 100% record, Wolfsburg still have the chance to begin the new season with consecutive home wins. Achieving that feat will certainly prove difficult against a formidable opponent, but Wolfsburg will be encouraged by their home record against Union. In their four home games against Saturday’s opponents, they have recorded three victories and one draw, and they will be determined to extend their unbeaten run this weekend.
Team News
Kilian Fischer and Lukas Nmecha are ruled out with knee injuries, while there are doubts surrounding the availability of Patrick Wimmer and Jonas Wind.
Union Berlin
Union began the campaign in impressive fashion, recording 4-1 victories in both of their opening two league games against Mainz 05 and Darmstadt. However, they experienced a disappointing result in their last outing as they fell to a 3-0 home defeat against RB Leipzig, representing Union’s first home loss in the Bundesliga since February 2022.
Having had two weeks to think about that result, Union are now set to begin a busy period. Die Eisernen are set to compete in their first-ever Champions League campaign, which begins with a trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to face European giants Real Madrid on Wednesday. While there is a risk of being distracted by that midweek fixture, Union boss Urs Fischer will urge his side to remain focused on Saturday’s contest.
The visitors have the opportunity to begin the Bundesliga campaign with back-to-back away victories, while they are also motivated to beat Wolfsburg in an away match for the very first time.
Team News
András Schäfer and Rani Khedira are sidelined with foot and calf problems respectively, while Kevin Volland is suspended after being sent off in the defeat to Leipzig.