Union Berlin vs. Elversberg preview: Lustrinelli searching for first Bundesliga win

Union Berlin

Mauro Lustrinelli has endured a tough start to life as Union boss, having seen his side pick up just one point from four league games. After playing out a 3-3 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt, Union fell to three consecutive defeats against Bayer Leverkusen, Schalke and Bayern Munich. 

Bayern’s Michael Olise netted a hat-trick as Union slumped to a 7-0 loss at the Allianz Arena, leaving them in 17th spot and two points adrift of safety. Lustrinelli’s side also have the league’s worst defensive record, having shipped 17 goals across the opening four matchdays. 

After conceding three goals or more in each of those games, Union will be desperate to produce a strong defensive display in their first official match against Elversberg. They also need to improve at the opposite end of the pitch after netting just once in their last three Bundesliga outings. That said, all four of their goals this season have come at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei, offering a glimmer of hope for a team in desperate need of a confidence boost.

Team News

Union are without Andrik Markgraf, Stanley Nsoki, Josip Juranović and Andrej Ilić. Lustrinelli should be able to welcome Oliver Burke back into the squad, but there is uncertainty surrounding Emmanuel Latte Lath's availability due to a minor injury issue.

Click here to see Union Berlin's predicted lineup for this fixture. 

Elversberg

Elversberg have made a positive start to their first-ever Bundesliga campaign, having collected seven points from their opening four matches. Vincent Wagner’s side flew out of the blocks with consecutive victories against Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Mönchengladbach, before they put in a valiant effort in a narrow 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich. They then recorded their first Bundesliga clean sheet in a goalless draw against fellow promoted side Schalke in their final outing before the international break.

Elversberg enter matchday five in seventh spot, level on points with the three teams ahead of them and Werder Bremen in eighth spot. They are also one of six teams yet to lose a Bundesliga away game this term. Early signs suggest that they will come on late in Saturday’s fixture, considering the fact that three of their four away league games this season have arrived beyond the 75th minute. 

Team News

Elversberg are unable to call upon the services of long-term absentee Luis Seifert, while Francis Onyeka is a doubt due to a foot problem. 

In positive news, Lukas Pinckert, Jan Gyamerah and David Mokwa are all expected to be available for Saturday’s away trip.

Click here to see Elversberg's predicted lineup for this fixture.