Ace Football previews the Bundesliga match between Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig, and offers betting tips, odds, line-ups, and team news.
First meets second as Bayern Munich welcome RB Leipzig to the Allianz Arena for a top-of-the-table clash in the Bundesliga on Saturday evening.
Two points are all separate the table-toppers, with Bayern holding first-place in the league standings. Leipzig are close behind in second and can snatch the lead by winning in Munich. The outcome of this clash, therefore, could set the tone for the title battle.
History favors the hosts in this one, having lost just one of their 10 matches against Leipzig (W5 D4). Although the Red Bulls are one of only two teams to deny their foes a home victory in 2020 after holding them to a 0-0 draw back in February. There have also been an average of 4.5 yellow cards in their last five encounters.
But given Bayern’s strong home record, along with the return of rested star players, Leipzig may have their work cut out to bag a win.
Bayern Munich Form & Stats
Hansi Flick made nine changes to the squad from the midweek 1-1 Champions League draw at Atletico Madrid. With qualification secured, and Group A already won, the Bayern boss took advantage to rest key men like Robert Lewandowski, Manuel Neuer, Leon Goretzka.
Although it’s a concern Bayern have conceded the first goal in each of their last six games in all competitions. They may have bounced back to win four of those fixtures (D2), but Leipzig are a solid unit at the back. This comes in stark contrast to the Bavarians, who have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight outings.
Defensive issues have been under the spotlight in Munich, with Flick having acknowledged them. The German has openly challenged his side to make a statement against Leipzig and urged the players to ‘play better than they have been doing in recent weeks’.
Not helping matters is the continued absence of Alphonso Davies, despite his return to training this week. Corentin Tolisso and Joshua Kimmich are also unavailable. Although Flick confirmed in his pre-match conference the latter’s promising recovery.
In the final third, however, Bayern have been as impressive as ever. A league-best of 31 goals in only nine games has lifted them to the top of the points table, with an average of 3.44 goals-per-game.
Key Team Stats
- Unbeaten in their last 14 games in all competitions (W12 D2).
- First-half goal scored in each of their last 17 games in all competitions.
- Scored a second-half goal in each of their last six games in all competitions.
- Scored in both halves across 67% of their nine league games.
- BTTS in their last eight games in all competitions.
- A penalty in 44% of their nine league games.
- Scored 3.44 goals-per-match in the league.
- Robert Lewandowski has scored seven goals in nine games against Leipzig in all competitions.
RB Leipzig Form & Stats
Alexander Sorloth’s injury-time goal sealed Leipzig a crucial 4-3 Champions League win at Istanbul Basaksehir midweek. Therefore, they’re level on nine points with Group H leaders PSG and Manchester United ahead of next Tuesday’s showdown with the latter in Germany. Anything less than victory, though, will probably cost them a knockout spot.
Unlike his Bayern counterpart Flick, however, Julian Nagelsmann couldn’t rest key players. But the Leipzig boss remained unfazed in his pre-match conference, remarking on how his side could’ve beaten the Bavarians last time out and how a win will send them on top of the Bundesliga standings.
Scoring that first goal could prove key, as Leipzig are normally solid in defense during games. In fact, the club boast a league-best of only six conceded goals this season. They’ve also held Bayern to goalless draws in two of their last three league meetings, including the most recent one back in February.
But Sorloth, Dayot Upamecano, Kevin Kampl, Marcel Sabitzer, and Nordi Mukiele suffered knocks in Turkey to leave their availability in doubt. Hee-chan Hwang, meanwhile, is still recovering from COVID-19. Christopher Nkunku, though, is fit and available for this weekend.
Key Team Stats
- Lost four of their last five away games in all competitions.
- First-half goal scored in their last six games in all competitions.
- Angelino has scored the first goal in three of their nine league games.
- Scored in both halves across 67% of their nine league games.
- A penalty has occurred in 56% of their nine league games.
- 9.56 corners-per-game in the league.
- 17 yellow cards in the league this season – 1.89-per-game.
Team News
Bayern Munich: Joshua Kimmich, Alphonso Davies, & Corentin Tolisso (out); Niklas Sule (doubt).
RB Leipzig: Benjamin Henrichs, Hee-chan Hwang, Lukas Klostermann, & Konrad Laimer (out);
Alexander Sorloth, Dayot Upamecano, Kevin Kampl, Marcel Sabitzer, & Nordi Mukiele (doubts).
Predicted Line-ups
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Top Goalscorers in Recent Games
Head-To-Head Record
Below are some head-to-head stats on each team’s recent form in the Bundesliga.
Match Facts
Betting Tips
More Odds
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