RB Leipzig will look to bounce back from recent setbacks as they host an in-form Wolfsburg at the Red Bull Arena on Saturday. While Leipzig are pursuing the title, Wolfsburg have been rediscovering their rhythm of late, so this tie promises to be an exciting and intense affair.
RB Leipzig vs. Wolfsburg: Match Preview
With 21 points, RB Leipzig currently sits third in the Bundesliga table, and there is pressure after a 4-3 loss to Hoffenheim last weekend. The defeat left Marco Rose’s side eight points behind league leaders Bayern Munich.
In midweek, Leipzig were also beaten 1-0 by Inter Milan in the Champions League, which confirmed their position as the bottom club in their group. While Leipzig has been solid defensively in the Bundesliga – joint-second-best record with nine goals conceded – it’s struggles in attack – 18 goals, joint eighth-best – have been a key weakness this season.
The hosts have failed to win in their last five matches across all competitions, losing four and drawing one. However, they are pretty strong at home, having not lost in their last 12 Bundesliga games at Red Bull Arena, with eight wins.
On the other hand, Wolfsburg has managed to turn their season around. After a poor start to the campaign, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side has risen to 11th place with 15 points. A solid 1-0 win against Union Berlin last weekend showed their defensive discipline, as they restricted their opponents from creating a single big chance.
The Wolves have lost only once in the last six league matches and have really warmed up on the road, hauling four wins from six road games so far this season.
Team News: Key Absences and Predicted Lineups
RB Leipzig
Injuries: David Raum, El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Lukas Klostermann (defense); Xavi Simons, Yussuf Poulsen (attack); Forzan Assan Ouedraogo, Eljif Elmas (midfield).
Probable Lineup: Lutsharel Geertruida, Willi Orban, Castello Lukeka, and Benjamin Henrichs could make up the defense. Amadou Haidara and Kevin Kampl may find places in the middle of the park under Marco Rose. Antonio Nusa and Christoph Baumgartner might support forwards Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda.
Wolfsburg
Injuries: Aster Vranckx (midfield); Bartosz Bialek, Kevin Paredes, Lovro Majer (attack); Rogerio, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Niklas Klinger (defense).
Expected Lineup: The Wolves could feature a back four of Kilian Fischer, Denis Vavro, Konstantinos Koulierakis, and Joakim Maehle. Ridle Baku, Patrick Wimmer, Mohamed El Amine Amoura, and Tiago Tomas are likely to lead their attack.
Predicted Starting Lineups
RB Leipzig (4-2-2-2):
Gulacsi; Geertruida, Orban, Lukeba, Henrichs; Haidara, Kampl; Nusa, Baumgartner; Sesko, Openda.
Wolfsburg (4-2-3-1):
Grabara; Fischer, Vavro, Koulierakis, Maehle; Dardai, Arnold; Baku, Wimmer, Amoura; Tomas.
Match Prediction: RB Leipzig 1-1 Wolfsburg
It’s not easy to see Wolfsburg going back without something as they have been great on the road this season, while Leipzig are good at home. Still, Leipzig’s recent poor show might cost them a shot at all three points.
Expect a tight game with not too many goals.
