Prediction: Leipzig win
Best Odds: 14/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
After more than two months away, the German Bundesliga will finally return to our screens this week. All 18 clubs have recovered following the winter break and they’re ready to dive headfirst, kicking and screaming, back into the action. There’s a whole lot left to be decided in the second half of the season and that’s especially true in the title picture, as RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich prepare to try and make things a bit clearer when they collide.
RB Leipzig
As a modern-day ‘expansion’ team of sorts, RB Leipzig are never going to be the most popular of clubs within the overall football fanbase. Still, despite a few hiccups, they’ve failed to give in and get pushed to one side – both domestically and in European competition. Given how much momentum they had before the break, it’ll be interesting to see whether or not they can maintain it now that things are getting serious.
Team News
Gulacsi and Nkunku are both set to miss out with knee injuries with there being some question marks over the fitness of Diallo and Raum.
Bayern Munich
After a rocky start to the campaign, Bayern Munich positioned themselves perfectly for another incredible season before the World Cup got underway. They still have a elite squad with an elite mentality and, across all the competitions they’re involved in, the Bundesliga feels like the one that’s going to be the most challenging – starting off with what always proves to be a tricky away day.
Team News
Hernandez, Mane, Mazraoui, Sarr and Neuer all continue to be massive absences for Bayern. Aside from that, Nagelsmann has no other fitness worries.
Factors to Consider
- Bayern are 1st in the Bundesliga with 34 points, whereas Leipzig are 3rd with 28 points.
- Leipzig have won their last six games in all competitions.
- Bayern have won their last 10 games in all competitions.
- Leipzig have scored 17 goals and conceded five in their last six games.
- Bayern have scored 22 goals and conceded five in their last six games.
Conclusion
This has all the makings of a Bundesliga barnburner between two sides who are in fine form. While Bayern will be well rested, we wouldn’t be surprised to see them get off to a slow start – especially in front of a hostile crowd. Leipzig are going to keep pushing the pace, they’ll play a high press, and they’ll force the visitors into mistakes which will eventually allow them to run out surprise winners on Friday.
Prediction: Leipzig win
Best Odds: 14/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
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