Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs. 1. FC Union Berlin preview: Hosts aim to recover from last week’s debacle

Bayer 04 Leverkusen and 1. FC Union Berlin are set to clash in a Bundesliga season opener on Saturday, with both teams aiming to secure their first win of the campaign. Union Berlin made a strong start by avoiding defeat, scoring an impressive six goals against Eintracht Frankfurt, including a late winner from Tim Skarke. Meanwhile, Leverkusen suffered a heavy loss to debutants Elversberg, with Carles Martínez starting his Bundesliga debut by trailing his team three goals behind.

Leverkusen's coach, Carles Martinez, hopes to avoid the same fate as his predecessor Erik ten Hag, who was dismissed following the team's single-point haul from the first two matches last season. A promising prospect for Leverkusen is French winger Moussa Diaby, who has netted five goals in this fixture and is in contention for a starting spot. Robert Andrich, who previously played alongside Leverkusen, may also feature in the match.

Union Berlin, known as the 'Irons,' had their share of action in the previous matchday, scoring a hat-trick in their opening game against Eintracht Frankfurt. Manager Mauro Lustrinelli, the first manager from Switzerland to lead the side, will aim to keep his team in the Bundesliga. Frederik Rønnow, who returned to the starting goal-shield after an injury absence, will be supported by debutant Robert Andrich.