The best defence of this calendar year play host to the second best: Union Berlin have only conceded 11 goals in 2023 and the Werkself just 15.
This clash brings together Jeremie Frimpong and Union’s Sheraldo Becker, the two players who have made the most sprints in the league this season. For the Leverkusen player it is 950 and the Irons striker has made 922.
2,500 Leverkusen fans are expected to make their way to the capital to support the Werkself in the game against the Irons at the An der Alten Försterei Stadium. Over the course of the 2022/23 season, Bayer 04 have been able to count on the backing of an average of 2,000 fans at their away games. The club is grateful for this fantastic support.
The German Football Association (DFB) has appointed Marco Fritz as the referee for the game at the An der Alten Försterei Stadium. The 45-year-old has been in charge of 21 games involving the Werkself to date (11 wins, three draws, seven defeats). His assistants today are Dominik Schaal and Marcel Pelgrim with Marcus Schmidt in action as the VAR official.
Last weekend, Union Berlin secured a deserved 1-0 win at Borussia Mönchengladbach and thereby extended their lead over fifth place to four points. The Irons are third in the table on 55 points. That is just two points less than the previous best return for the club in the Bundesliga from last season. They are on course to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history. You can find out more about the personnel, performers and problems for the Irons in our lowdown on the next opponents.
As usual, Werkself Radio is available for anybody unable to be at today's game. The audio broadcast begins 30 minutes before kick-off with commentary provided by Cedric Pick und Niko Hartmann. In addition, the live text update service will keep you up-to-date to ensure you don't miss any of the key match action. Both Werkself Radio and the live text updates can be found at bayer04.de and on the Bayer 04 app – tune in.
Bosnia U19 international Kerim Alajbegovic is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen's youth set-up to Red Bull Salzburg. The talented attacking midfielder has signed a long-term contract with the Austrian club. At the same time, the works club secured a buy-back option for the 17-year-old, who was one of the mainstays of the Leverkusen U19s.
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The Werkself are away to Premier League club Chelsea in the final pre-season friendly. The game against the current holders of the UEFA Conference League is on Friday, 8 August at Stamford Bridge with the kick-off at 20:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.
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The Werkself are away to Dutch top-flight club Fortuna Sittard in the third pre-season friendly. The match is on Friday, 1 August at the Fortuna Sittard stadium with the kick-off at 19:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.
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The Werkself are away to VfL Bochum in the second pre-season friendly. The match is on Sunday, 27 July at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion with the kick-off at 18:00 CEST. Read on for the latest information on ticket sales.
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