RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich are set to face off in a thrilling Bundesliga encounter at Red Bull Arena this Saturday.
Match Preview
Both teams had successful outings in the DFB-Pokal midweek and will now shift their focus back to league action.
With just one point separating them in the standings, this match promises to be a heavyweight showdown.
RB Leipzig secured their place in the second round of the DFB-Pokal with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Wehen Wiesbaden.
The 20-year-old prodigy Benjamin Sesko played a crucial role, scoring a brace and taking his tally to five goals in seven appearances for the club.
Riding a six-game winning streak, including four consecutive Bundesliga wins and a Champions League victory against Young Boys, RB Leipzig will enter this match with high confidence.
Following their 3-0 defeat to RB Leipzig in the DFL-Supercup, Marco Rose’s men started their Bundesliga campaign with a 3-2 loss against Bayer Leverkusen.
However, they quickly bounced back with an impressive 5-1 victory over Stuttgart, followed by wins against Union Berlin, Augsburg, and Borussia Monchengladbach.
RB Leipzig boasts an impressive offensive record, having scored 14 goals in five league games, placing them fourth in the scoring charts.
Additionally, their defense has been solid, conceding only four goals, second only to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Bayern Munich, on the other hand, had a comfortable 4-0 win over Preussen Munster in the midweek cup fixture.
Dominating the game with 72% possession and 26 shots, they limited their opponents to just three attempts on target.
After a 4-3 victory against Manchester United in the Champions League, Bayern Munich demolished VfL Bochum 7-0, led by new signing Harry Kane, who scored a hat-trick and now has eight goals in seven appearances this season.
Although Bayern Munich suffered a 3-0 defeat to RB Leipzig in the DFL-Supercup, they have bounced back impressively, accumulating 13 points out of a possible 15 in the league.
They have been dominant in both the Champions League and DFB-Pokal, showcasing their credentials as perennial contenders for the Bundesliga title.
Despite challenges from Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen, Stuttgart, Hoffenheim, and Borussia Dortmund, Bayern remains confident in their ability to defend their crown, having won the last 11 Bundesliga titles consecutively.
Team News:
Bayern Munich may be without forward Serge Gnabry, who sustained a suspected broken hand in the midweek cup match.
The team will rely on the attacking prowess of Harry Kane, alongside Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane, and Thomas Muller.
Meanwhile, RB Leipzig has its own injury concerns, with players like Willi Orban, Dani Olmo, Amadou Haidara, and El Chadaille Bitshiabu unavailable.
Benjamin Sesko is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup, partnering with Lois Openda up front, while Xavi Simons and Fabio Carvalho provide attacking support from the flanks.
Predicted Starting Lineups:
RB Leipzig:
Blaswich;
Henrichs, Simakan, Lukeba, Raum;
Simons, Schlager, Kampl, Carvalho;
Sesko, Openda
Bayern Munich:
Ulreich;
Mazraoui, De Ligt, Kim, Davies;
Laimer, Kimmich;
Sane, Muller, Musiala;
Kane
Prediction:
In a clash between RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, we expect an intense battle that could ultimately end in a draw.
RB Leipzig’s recent form, coupled with their motivation from the DFL-Supercup victory, makes them strong contenders for at least a point.
However, Bayern Munich’s attacking prowess and determination to make amends will pose a significant challenge for the hosts.
