Verdict: Yan Diomande over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
In what is a heavyweight Bundesliga battle this weekend, Bayer Leverkusen will host RB Leipzig on Saturday evening.
Bayer Leverkusen
Starting with the hosts, claiming a much-welcomed boost last weekend as they clung to a hard-fought 2-1 victory away at Koln, Bayer Leverkusen are desperately trying to find some essential stability over the final fortnight. Dropping out of the Champions League spots, Kasper Hjulmand’s side have shown some worrying inconsistencies on either side of March’s international break. Watching their DFP Pokal adventure come to a routine end earlier in the month as they fell to a 2-0 loss at home against Bayern Munich, the former Denmark boss has seen his squad register just a trio of wins from any of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions. Likewise, Saturday’s hosts have mustered consecutive wins across all fronts on just a single occasion since the middle of February.
Bayer Leverkusen Team News
Suffering yet another injury setback last weekend, Leverkusen are sweating over the fitness of former Real Madrid ace Lucas Vazquez here. Hjulmand’s men have already confirmed that French Martin Terrier remains on the sidelines with a hamstring injury and won’t play any part on Saturday evening.
Bagging both goals away at Koln last time out and registering 19 strikes across all competitions so far this season, Czech Republic International Patrik Schick will spearhead Leverkusen’s attack. Making a permanent switch from Liverpool last summer, 23-year-old Jarell Quansah will start at the heart of Hjulmand’s defence.
RB Leipzig
As for the visitors, last seen putting in another thumping display as they stormed their way to a 3-1 victory at home against Union Berlin, RB Leipzig are riding a major wave of momentum. Cruising their way to a lucrative Champions League return, the Red Bulls have rightfully received a string of plaudits from across the continent. Sat in bronze medal position among Germany’s elite, Ole Werner’s side are enjoying quite the purple patch. Heading into March’s international break with a remarkable 5-0 romp against Hoffenheim, Leipzig have won all of their last five consecutive Bundesliga appearances by an aggregate score of 14-3. Really impressing with their clinical performances in the final third, Saturday’s hosts will be looking to make another public domestic statement this weekend.
RB Leipzig Team News
All dealing with respective injury issues, RB Leipzig will travel to the BayArena this weekend without the likes of David Rahm, Suleiman Sani, Leopold Zingerle and Dutch starlet Ezechiel Banzuzi. Struggling to find his feet since arriving from Aston Villa back in January, Kosta Nedeljkovic will be hoping to make a rare appearance.
Registering eight direct goal contributions in his previous 10 domestic appearances (five goals, three assists), 19-year-old sensation Yan Diomande will play a leading role in attack. Notching nine goals during his maiden Bundesliga campaign, Brazilian striker Romulo Cardoso will spearhead Leipzig’s charge.
Bayer Leverkusen vs RB Leipzig Key Factors to Consider
- When Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig met for their reverse Bundesliga showdown back on December 20th, Saturday’s hosts secured a shock 3-1 victory at the Red Bull Arena.
- Leverkusen have mustered just a trio of wins from any of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions.
- RB Leipzig have won all of their last five consecutive Bundesliga appearances by an aggregate score of 14-3.
- 19-year-old Yan Diomande has registered eight direct goal contributions in his previous 10 domestic appearances (five goals, three assists).
- The last five meetings between Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig have produced 23 goals at both ends of the pitch.
Conclusion
In a Bundesliga showdown that tends to produce plenty of fireworks, neutrals will be hoping for another top-flight thriller on Saturday evening. Watching Leipzig embark on a sensational Bundesliga flurry, the Red Bulls have won all of their last five consecutive domestic showdowns by an aggregate score of 14-3 and they will be looking to make another high-profile statement this weekend. Meeting a Leverkusen defence who have shipped seven goals in their last three matchups at the BayArena, Leipzig will certainly ask some real questions.
Verdict: Yan Diomande over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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