Following on from the recent international break, 1. FC Union Berlin must next travel to play away in Frankfurt for the eighth game of the 2022/23 Bundesliga season. Kick-off against Eintracht at the Deutsche Bank Park is on Saturday at 15:30.

This match is also another first for Union, as they defend their lead in the table for the first time, having regained the top spot with the 2-0 victory over VfL Wolfsburg a fortnight ago.

The last few days have proved a welcome, stress-free respite for Union. Because due to the busy schedule in the Bundesliga, the DFB Cup and the Europa League, head coach Urs Fischer's team are facing exactly the opposite over the next few weeks. Union must now play 13 games between now and the end of the first half of the season on the 13th of November, 

The opponents

The reigning Europa League winners' started the season somewhat more sluggishly than expected, and certainly moreso than they'd have hoped for. Especially following a commanding opening victory in the first round of the DFB Pokal, but that was followed by a big loss in the season-opener against FC Bayern at home, and two draws against Hertha BSC and 1. FC Köln.

Only then did Eintracht get back on track, scoring four goals in each of the wins against Bremen and Leipzig, only to then lose 1-0 to Wolfsburg. However, this was apparently only a dip in the current form curve. They were able to redeem themselves in the next away game, beating Stuttgart 3-1.

A brief look at the Frankfurt team's European appearances shows a similar trend. They lost their first game in the Champions League group phase against Sporting Lisbon 0-3, but then went on to win the encounter at Olympique Marseille 1-0.

The last transfer window was almost as intense for Eintracht as the start of the season was, with 12 additions and 14 departures. They strengthened defensively, and added width, but also up top, securing strikers Lucas Alario and Kolo Muani. In addition, Eintracht's midfield looks a little different this season, with newcomer Kristijan Jakic and Bundesliga returnee Mario Götze obvious examples. Götze leaving PSV Eindhoven after two years to return to Germany.

Among the departures, Filip Kostic, who left Frankfurt for Juventus after four seasons, will be especially missed.

Oliver Glasner's team have shown their tactical flexibility so far. In five of their 11 games this season, the Austrian has sent his team onto the pitch in a 4-2-3-1 system, in the other six he played a 3-4-2-1. So even without Filip Kostic (supposedly his most important player when using  three at the back and wing-backs), Eintracht's head coach has been mostly relying on his tried and tested system.

The reunion

From Union's point of view, there will be a reunion with an old acquaintance on Saturday. Christopher Lenz, who played 72 times in the famous red and white, has been in Frankfurt since last summer. But having only recently recovering from a thigh injury he is likely to be used as a substitute at best. In addition to Lenz, current Unioner Frederik Rönnow will also come up against some old colleagues. He made a total of 21 appearances for Eintracht in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons.

The personnel

Apart from the still injured Kevin Möhwald, Urs Fischer can count on the full contingent of his players to be available for the game. 

The coaches views on the game

"Eintracht are in good shape at the moment," said Union's head coach, Urs Fischer. "They have won three of their last four games and they are good up front at the moment and are scoring often. They also have an interesting mix of experience, speed and individual skill, where we have to be very careful. We know it will be a difficult game."

Eintracht coach Oliver Glasner also said he expects an exciting match: "Union are a clever team, they have a great coach in Urs Fischer, whose signature is written throughout his team. They are very compact and one of the best teams in the league. We therefore expect a close game at the weekend."

Matchday info

The gates of the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt open at 13:30. there are no further tickets for the guest block available. Information for travelling fans can be found here. The match will be broadcast live on SKY and, as usual, Union will also provide updates on the match in the club's own live ticker, as well as in English on Twitter.