Introduction
The Bundesliga is back in action this weekend. Bayer Leverkusen takes on RB Leipzig in an important fixture at the Red Bull Arena on Saturday. Both teams find themselves in the title race at the moment and will want a positive result from this fixture.
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Build Up
RB Leipzig
Leipzig were shell shocked with a 3-2 defeat to second bottom Mainz and it has hit their title contention. It was shocking also for the fact that it was Mainz first home win this season. Coming against the second placed champions league squad of Leipzig was unexpected.
Indeed, Julian Nagelsmann’s side twice took the lead in the first half through Tyler Adams’s and Marcel Halstenberg’s close-range finishes but was pegged back on both occasions by Moussa Niakhate after sloppy set-piece defending.
Form
RB Leipzig form guide in the Bundesliga: L-W-L-D-L
For Leipzig, it leaves them seven points behind league leaders Bayern, with the club’s first-ever Bundesliga title likely to have to wait for at least another season. Beating Leverkusen would be a huge step to securing Champions League football once again, though, with plenty still left to play for this season.
Team News
Leipzig will be without Yussuf Poulsen, Kevin Kampl, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ibrahima Konate, Benjamin Henrichs and Konrad Laimer due to the visit of Leverkusen.
RB Leipzig possible starting lineup:
Gulasci; Orban, Upamecano, Halstenberg; Mukiele, Haidara, Sabitzer, Angelino; Olmo, Forsberg; Sorloth
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen is currently in third place in the Bundesliga standings and have exceeded expectations this season. Die Werkself suffered a 1-0 defeat to VfL Wolfsburg last week and will want to return to winning ways in this game.
Bayer Leverkusen form guide in the Bundesliga: W-L-D-W-L
Team news
Exequiel Palacios, Santiago Arias, Paulinho, and Mitchell Weiser are currently injured and will not be able to feature in this game. Sven Bender has made progress with his recovery and might not be risked in this match
Bayer Leverkusen probable starting line up
Lukas Hradecky; Wendell, Jonathan Tah, Edmond Tapsoba, Lars Bender; Charles Aranguiz, Nadiem Amiri, Florian Wirtz; Moussa Diaby, Leon Bailey, Patrik Schick
Players to watch out for
Leon Bailey
The Jamaican is fast and good at decision making. Up against one of the best young defenders in the world. He’ll have a daunting task at his hand. But some flair and finesse are expected from him. He’ll be the one to watch out for.
Upamecano
his stock has been on this rise since Leipzig’s UCL exploits last season. He’ll have to be at his best if Leipzig wants to win today and put pressure on the champions Bayern.
Conclusion
The title race isn’t that exciting as it was and should have been but expect a good match today from this top of the table clash. While Leipzig has been very impressive this season but they are still far away from being genuine title contenders. That being said we predict that they’ll win come with a win today.
Prediction – RB Leipzig 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen
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