Leipzig had a tough start to the season, falling 6-0 at home to FC Bayern München on matchday 1. But the reaction was not long in coming. Since then, RBL have lost only one Bundesliga game (the 3-1 defeat in Hoffenheim) and have otherwise racked up a string of victories. They also two draws to their name, a 0-0 in Mönchengladbach and a 1-1 in Dortmund.

That early Bavarian setback aside, Leipzig currently have one of the most solid defences in the Bundesliga. The Saxons have conceded only seven goals since the opening game, while their attack is one of the most dangerous in the league, with 19-year-old Yan Diomande playing a key role. The young talent has appeared in all 13 games this season impressing on both the left and right wings, scoring six, assisting a further three, and becoming the second-youngest player in Bundesliga history to score a hat trick, with only Walter Bechtold in 1965 being younger.

Diomande is also one of the fastest players in the league, clocking in at 36 km/h, and, according to the stats, dribbles more than any other attacking player.

However, it is worth noting that the Saxons have yet to score a goal on a Friday this season. As mentioned, they lost 6-0 to Bayern in their opening game and most recently drew 0-0 with Mönchengladbach on matchday 12. Union, on the other hand, are unbeaten in nine home games on Friday evenings, with their last defeat coming over six years ago.

Union and Leipzig have met 17 times so far. Union have won six, including four at home. Leipzig have won eight games, and there have been three draws, including both last season’s goalless games.

Robert Skov, Andrik Markgraf, and Dmytro Bogdanov will not be available to Union's head coach Steffen Baumgart and his coaching team on Friday evening.

“We want to not only keep up tomorrow but actively shape the game," said Union head coach, Steffen Baumgart, during his press conference  on Thursday afternoon. "We have many strengths that we need to bring to the table and for which we want to be rewarded in the end, instead of just being praised for a good performance. Whether that will succeed remains to be seen. Leipzig are a young, strong team with many individuals who can decide games on their own. Nevertheless: We want to beat every opponent. And tomorrow we will do everything we can to leave the pitch as winners against a team like Leipzig.” 

His oppositenumber, Ole Werner commented at his own press conference: “You prepare for each opponent individually. The style of play is different from that of the last opponents. Union Berlin have a similar style of play to Mainz, but what they do, they do well. Especially at home. The atmosphere at the Alte Försterei is special; although the stadium is small, it is very lively. On top of that, there's a floodlit match. We are looking forward to the game, which will be a special challenge, and we feel well prepared for it.”

As usual, the Stadion An der Alte Försterei will open two hours before kick-off. The match is sold out in both the home and away sections.

There will continue to be extensive traffic disruptions on public transport. Travel via the “Altstadt Köpenick” tram line is only possible with rail replacement services. In addition, Hämmerlingstraße is closed to through traffic. We therefore strongly recommend arriving early.