Bosz: 'That was very mature!'

Head coach Peter Bosz reflected on that ahead of the game: "I don't think we can surprise each other any more. Above all, we saw in Berlin that Union are good opponents who are powerful and direct." The Werkself won the game in the second half of the season at the Alte Försterei Stadium 3-2 in the fourth minute of added time.

The team from Köpenick have been the most impressive of the newly promoted teams in the current Bundesliga campaign and they already have 30 points. The team coached by Urs Fischer have beaten Germania Halberstadt (6-0), Bundesliga side SC Freiburg (3-1) and SC Verl (1-0) in the DFB Cup. Now the Berliners are in the second cup quarter-final in the club's history against the Black and Reds, who are also enjoying a very successful this term.

Bosz banks on flexibility

Bosz sees one reason for the improvement of the Werkself in the second half of the season in the flexibility of his team – both from game to game as well as within a match. "I expect my players to read the game. Of course, we train every day and discuss everything. But in a game it can always happen that something else is suddenly required," said the Dutchman who will probably have to make do without captain Lars Bender for this game in addition to long-term injury Kevin Volland (ankle). Bosz: "We’re training this afternoon. But I don't think Lars will be able to join in."

"Become more solid"

Across all competitions, the Werkself have recentlyclocked up nine wins and one draw with only the Bundesliga clash at TSG Hoffenheim ending in defeat (1-2). Bayer 04 are not short of confidence. "If you also see how we played in those games – then it was very mature. You can say we've become more solid," said Bosz.

Bayer 04 adhere to FIFA three-stage plan

One unavoidable issue in professional football in recent weeks has been the debate about defamatory material in Germany's football grounds. Bayer 04 have adopted a clear position in this respect: The club, according to press officer Dirk Mesch, have great trust in their own fans as well as the supporters of Union Berlin that no such insulting banners will be seen at the BayArena. Criticism should be possible but always on a suitable and constructive basis. Bayer 04, Mesch continued, is in close contact with the DFB and fan representatives. In the event of any relevant incidents, Bayer 04 will adhere to the FIFA three-stage plan.

Match information:
Attendance: Bayer 04 expect 20,000 supporters at the BayArena
Broadcaster: Sport1, Sky (TV), Werkself Radio (bayer04.de)
Referee: Benjamin Cortus (Röthenbach)