Union Berlin vs Schalke – News and Probable Lineups

Two teams in search of their first Bundesliga victory of the season will collide on Friday, as Union Berlin hosts Schalke 04 at the Stadion An der Alten Forsterei.

Die Eisernen will be aiming to avoid another heavy defeat this week, while Die Knappen look to build on their draw from their last match.

Match overview

Union had a challenging campaign in 2025-26, and they haven’t had the steadiest beginnings under new head coach Mauro Lustrinelli this season.

Die Eisernen commenced their league campaign with a 3-3 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt on August 29, a frustrating outcome as they initially took the lead but needed a last-gasp equalizer in the 92nd minute to secure a point.

Wanting to see progress, Lustrinelli would have preferred a more composed showing against Bayer Leverkusen last Saturday, yet his team conceded two goals in each half, ultimately falling to a 4-0 defeat away from home.

This loss has positioned Union at 15th in the standings with only one point so far, and although it’s early in the season to panic about relegation, supporters will be cautious about being dragged into a battle for survival.

A win on Friday would significantly alleviate those worries, but given that the hosts have only secured two competitive home wins in 2026 – with five draws and three losses – fans would be forgiven for feeling skeptical.

On the other hand, Miron Muslic’s Schalke were promoted to the Bundesliga after claiming the second-division title last season, and while they are also in search of their first win, the visitors may feel more optimistic than Union.

Die Knappen faced a 3-0 defeat to Augsburg in their opening match, but the disappointment was somewhat tempered as midfielder Ron Schallenberg received a red card around the hour mark, while the team was just trailing 1-0.

However, Muslic’s team displayed resilience to recover in their last fixture, managing to hold champions Bayern Munich to a goalless draw, thanks to five saves from former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius.

Despite conceding three goals in one match, the 33-year-old keeper made 10 saves against Augsburg, and he will be crucial for Schalke in their quest to evade relegation.

Currently, Die Knappen sit at 14th and are eager for their first win of the season, a success that would boost their confidence in adapting to the top tier.

Team News

Union will be less potent in attack on Friday, as strikers Andrej Ilic (illness) and Oliver Burke (Achilles), along with left winger Kastriot Imeri (thigh), are ruled out of the match.

In their absence, Marin Ljubicic and Emmanuel Latte Lath are expected to feature in the attack, supported by a midfield comprising Rani Khedira, Michel Aebischer, Livan Burcu, and Aljoscha Kemlein.

Defensively, left-back Andrik Markgraf is on the road to recovery from a cruciate ligament injury, while centre-backs Marvin Friedrich and Stanley N’Soki will also miss the game.

As for Schalke, they will be without defensive midfielder Ron Schallenberg, who is serving a suspension after his ban for being sent off against Augsburg was extended from one match to two.

Thus, look for Satoshi Tanaka to join Soufian El-Faouzi in the midfield this week, with wing-backs Junior Dina Ebimbe and Robin Gosens providing width.

Union Berlin probable starting XI:

Ronnow; Juranovic, Van den Bosch, Uduokhai, Rothe; Aebischer, Khedira, Kemlein, Burcu; M Ljubicic, Latte Lath

Schalke 04 probable starting XI:

Karius; Kurucay, Katic, Becker; Junior, Tanaka, El-Faouzi, Gosens; D Ljubicic, Sylla

Although Union Berlin will be playing at home, having conceded seven goals combined in their first two Bundesliga matches, it is unlikely they will manage to keep Friday’s opponents from scoring.

Schalke commendably held Bayern to a goalless draw in their last outing, and if they can maintain that defensive stability, the visitors could potentially come away with all three points.