RB Leipzig vs Leverkusen Prediction: Team News, Predicted Lineups and Form Guide

 

A fascinating clash awaits us in the Bundesliga as fifth-placed RB Leipzig hosts second-placed Leverkusen on January 24th, 2025.

 

RB Leipzig vs Leverkusen Form 

 

RB Leipzig currently sits in fifth position in the Bundesliga, while Leverkusen occupies a strong second place. Recent results have been mixed for both teams. RB Leipzig’s form has been inconsistent, while Leverkusen are on a remarkable winning streak. The head-to-head record between these two sides is evenly split in recent years, with both teams having claimed three victories each in their last six encounters. This suggests a closely fought contest is on the cards. 

 

 

RB Leipzig vs Leverkusen Predicted Lineups and Team News 

 

RB Leipzig vs Leverkusen Prediction: Team News, Predicted Lineups and Form Guide

 

RB Leipzig Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): P. Gulácsi (GK); D. Raum (DL), N. Seiwald (DC), W. Orbán (DC), L. Klostermann (DR); A. Nusa (ML), A. Vermeeren (MC), A. Haidara (MC), X. Simons (MR); B. Sesko (FC), L. Openda (FC) 

 

RB Leipzig will be boosted by the return of Lois Openda and Benjamin Sesko from suspension, but they will be without Andre Silva due to a calf injury and Benjamin Henrichs, who is ruled out for the season. Amadou Haidara is also available after his ban, but Assan Ouédraogo remains injured. Xaver Schlager is a doubt 

 

Leverkusen Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): L. Hrádecky (GK); P. Hincapié (DL), E. Tapsoba (DC), J. Tah (DC), N. Mukiele (DR); E. Palacios (DM), G. Xhaka (DM); Á. Grimaldo (AML), F. Wirtz (AMC), J. Frimpong (AMR); P. Schick (FC) 

 

For Leverkusen, Jeanuël Belocian, Amine Adli and Martin Terrier are all out for the season with respective injuries. The absence of key players for both sides could significantly impact the match's outcome. RBL's attacking options are strengthened by Sesko and Openda's return, while Leverkusen's defensive stability might be slightly affected. 

 

RB Leipzig vs Leverkusen Tactical Analysis 

 

RB Leipzig's strengths lie in their counter-attacking capabilities, while their weaknesses are evident in individual defensive errors and set-piece defending. They utilise short passes and through balls frequently, predominantly attacking down the left flank. 

 

Leverkusen, on the other hand, excels in attacking down the wings, creating chances through through balls, and their ability to comeback from losing positions. Their strengths in set-piece attacks and defending are also noteworthy. However, they show vulnerabilities in aerial duels and defending against attacks down the wings. Both teams prefer a possession-based style, relying heavily on short passes. A key clash will be how RBL's counter-attacking style fares against Leverkusen's strong wing play and possession-based approach. 

 

RB Leipzig vs Bayer Leverkusen Key Battle: Xavi Simons vs Florian Wirtz

 

This match-up between two creative midfielders could prove decisive. Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz is a key playmaker known for his vision and ability to unlock defences. RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons offers a similar threat, known for his dribbling skills and goal-scoring potential. Whichever player can dictate the midfield battle and create more opportunities for their team is likely to significantly influence the outcome. 

 

 

RB Leipzig vs Leverkusen Score Prediction 

 

Given Leverkusen's outstanding form and RB Leipzig's recent inconsistencies, despite the even head-to-head record, we predict a Leverkusen victory. The away team's superior form and overall league standing, coupled with RBL's defensive vulnerabilities and key player absences, makes a Leverkusen win the more likely outcome. We predict a scoreline of 1-3 in favour of Leverkusen. A betting angle to consider is "Over 2.5 Goals," given the attacking prowess of both teams and their previous encounters' high-scoring nature.

RB Leipzig vs Leverkusen Prediction: Team News, Predicted Lineups and Form Guide