The Champions League group stage kicks off with an enticing showdown between Young Boys and RB Leipzig at Stadion Wankdorf in the Group G encounter.
Match Preview
Young Boys, after missing out last season, return to Europe’s premier club competition and aim to make an impact against the highly-regarded Bundesliga side.
Playing on home turf has been advantageous for the Swiss champions, evidenced by their impressive 3-0 victory over Maccabi Haifa in Bern, following a goalless draw in Israel.
However, Leipzig poses a different challenge, and Raphael Wicky’s men will need to elevate their performance to secure a strong start in the group.
Young Boys’ unbeaten streak this season, winning six out of their nine matches, instills confidence in their abilities.
Notably, they have maintained a solid defense with five consecutive clean sheets, including a recent 1-0 cup triumph against Xamax.
Leipzig, having accepted an acceptable draw in the group, is determined to kickstart their European campaign on a positive note.
Marco Rose’s side has displayed resilience following an opening-day defeat, securing three consecutive victories and scoring 11 goals while conceding only one.
New arrivals Xavi Simons and Lois Openda have made an immediate impact, each scoring three goals in four league games, with Simons also providing four assists.
Although Manchester City crushed Leipzig in the previous season, their solid recruitment and settling of new players suggest they can navigate the group phase if they maintain their current performance levels.
Despite losing key players like Christopher Nkunku, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Josko Gvardiol, Leipzig has made strategic signings to maintain their competitiveness.
Previewing Young Boys’ Champions League form, they had a draw (D) and a win (W).
Young Boys’ recent form across all competitions: D, W, D, W, W, W
RB Leipzig’s recent form across all competitions: W, L, W, W, W
Team News:
Young Boys have a full squad available for their continental opener and are expected to stick with their 4-3-1-2 formation against Leipzig.
On the other hand, RB Leipzig’s Marco Rose faces several absentees. Lukas Klostermann is doubtful due to illness, while David Raum picked up a suspected injury in the weekend match against Augsburg.
Spanish international Dani Olmo could be out until late September with a sprained knee.
Additionally, Amadou Haidara and Andre Silva are not anticipated to return until the end of the month.
Willi Orban and El Chadaille Bitshiabu will also miss the match due to knee injuries, likely keeping them sidelined until November.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Young Boys:
Racioppi;
Janko, Camara, Benito, Persson;
Males, Lauper, Monteiro;
Lakomy;
Itten, Elia
RB Leipzig:
Blaswich;
Henrichs, Simakan, Lukeba, Lenz;
Schlager, Kampl;
Simons, Forsberg;
Openda, Werner
Prediction: Young Boys 1-3 RB Leipzig
Despite Young Boys’ impressive victories over Juventus and Manchester United in previous years, Leipzig’s current form and attacking prowess should guide them to victory in this Champions League clash.
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