RB Leipzig will host Freiburg at the Red Bull Arena this Saturday in a crucial Bundesliga clash.
The home side will be looking to maintain their strong domestic form and mount a serious challenge to league leaders Bayern Munich, while the visitors will be aiming to continue their impressive start to the season.
Match Preview
RB Leipzig have been in excellent form in the Bundesliga, winning 5 of their 7 matches so far this season. Key players such as Benjamin Henrichs and Christopher Baumgartner have been instrumental in their success, though the team has lacked a clinical edge in front of goal, scoring 11 goals which is 13 fewer than Bayern.
In contrast, Freiburg have also made a strong start, sitting just two points behind Leipzig in third place. Manager Julian Schuster will be delighted with his side’s performances, with striker Chukwubuike Adamu leading the line impressively.
Leipzig come into this match on the back of a disappointing 1-0 Champions League defeat to Liverpool, though they were the better side for large periods. In the league, they have been solid, keeping the division’s best defensive record.
Freiburg, meanwhile, have won 4 of their last 5 Bundesliga matches, including an impressive 3-1 victory over Augsburg last time out. The visitors have been particularly strong on the road, winning their last two away games without conceding.
Head-to-Head
Leipzig has enjoyed playing Freiburg recently having won all previous last 5 meetings. Last season Leipzig won at home and the last match ended in a 4-1 victory away to Freiburg.
Team News
Leipzig will be without several key players due to injury, including Xaver Schlager and David Raum.
Forzan Assan Ouedraogo and Nicolas Seiwald are also sidelined, while Xavi Simons picked up a knock in the Liverpool game.
Freiburg, meanwhile, will be missing defender Kenneth Schmidt and midfielders Daniel-Kofi Kyereh and Merlin Rohl.
Prediction
This has the makings of a tight, closely fought encounter between two well-organized and in-form teams. While Leipzig’s defensive solidity may give them the edge, Freiburg’s recent away form and the potential absence of some key Leipzig players could make this a closer contest than many expect.
- Score Prediction: RB Leipzig 1-0 Freiburg
Betting Tips
Match Result: RB Leipzig to Win – Leipzig’s strong defensive record and home advantage makes them the favorites to take all three points.
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Under 2.5 Goals – Both teams have been relatively low-scoring this season, and with the potential for a cagey affair, this could be a game where under 2.5 goals is the safer bet.
Anytime Goalscorer: Chukwubuike Adamu – Freiburg’s in-form striker could be the one to break the deadlock if the visitors are to get on the scoresheet.
Both Teams to Score: No – Leipzig’s defensive resilience and Freiburg’s struggles to create clear-cut chances away from home suggest this may not be a game where both teams find the net.
