Bayern Munich v RB Leipzig – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Bayern Munich face RB Leipzig on Saturday Die Roten have lost three successive matches and may be almost out of the title race. The Red Bulls have had a mixed season and are a point outside the top four but they’re unbeaten in four clashes vs Bayern.

Bayern Form

Thomas Tuchel’s side are having a tough season. With three losses in a row – one in the Champions League and two in the Bundesliga – they’re at risk of winning no trophies this season. A 5-1 loss at Eintracht Frankfurt in December preceded a 1-0 win at Man Utd and three successive league victories.

However, 2024 has been a disaster and they may soon change coach. Their last seven matches have seen four losses. Bayern were beaten 1-0 at home by Werder Bremen but bounced back with three league wins. A 3-0 humbling at Bayer Leverkusen with only one shot on target followed. Their last two outings have seen bad performances, but they lost 1-0 at Lazio and 3-2 at Bochum after defensive howlers.

Bayern Team News

Thomas Tuchel has an injury nightmare to navigate. All of Konrad Laimer, Bouna Sarr, Sacha Boey, and Noussair Mazraoui are injured as right-back options. Dayot Upamecano filled in there on Saturday but was red-carded and sits out this match.

Alphonso Davies is absent at left back and wingers Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry are out injured too. Joshua Kimmich may have to drop into right back. Leroy Sane could be recalled down the wing.

Bayern Motivation

Any more dropped points and the title will be gone, if it isn’t already. Another defeat or even a draw could see Thomas Tuchel sacked.

The players haven’t been performing badly in the last two matches. However, if they want to see the back of the coach, they may not be fully motivated for this clash.

RB Leipzig Form

Marco Rose’s side won seven of their first eight fixtures this term including 3-0 vs Bayern Munich in the German Super Cup. Things unraveled a bit for them in October and November, losing four times in a run of six matches. Then ended 2023 with four wins and a draw but the new year has been poor.

They lost their first four matches of 2024: 1-0 at home to Eintracht Frankfurt, 3-2 at home vs Bayer Leverkusen and 5-2 at Stuttgart. They beat Union Berlin 2-0 and drew 2-2 at Augsburg going into a clash with Real Madrid. After a 1-0 loss to Los Blancos, they beat Borussia Monchengladbach 2-0 on Saturday.

RB Leipzig Team News

Marco Rose is without Lukas Klostermann in defence due to a hip injury. Mohamed Simakan will take his place. Amadou Haidara will play no part in midfield due to a knee problem.

Benjamin Sesko is pushing to return to the XI in place of Yussuf Poulsen in attack. January signing Elif Elmas and veteran midfielder Kevin Kampl are hoping for involvement in the engine room.

RB Leipzig Motivation

RB Leipzig won’t fear Bayern and will attack their depleted backline. A win would boost top four hopes hugely.

The second leg vs Real Madrid is still 10 days away so full attention can go on this clash.

Key Stats

Bayern are winless in 4 matches vs RB Leipzig (W2, D2) after being 10 unbeaten vs RBL

Bayern Munich have lost 3 matches in a row

Bayern have lost 11 of 44 matches under Thomas Tuchel

RB Leipzig have lost 5 of their last 9 away matches

RB Leipzig’s last 9 games vs Bayern have seen 38 goals (4.2 goals per game)

Verdict

Goals are also seen in this fixture. Tuchel’s side needs a win, but they may not have the defensive solidity to get it. Backing RB Leipzig to avoid defeat could be smart.