Prediction: RB Leipzig vs Borussia Dortmund

Prediction: RB Leipzig win

Best Odds: 27/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

As English football prepares for a brief detour in the name of the FA Cup third round, the German Bundesliga continues to move through its fixture list in what is rapidly turning out to be one of the most exciting top flight campaigns in recent history over in Germany. Today, we’re going to take a look at what can easily be described as one of the most intriguing games of the season so far – title contenders RB Leipzig vs fellow title contenders Borussia Dortmund.

RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig are currently the closest challengers to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga title race, but we get the feeling that they’re sick and tired and being second best. From rumours about their manager departing to pretty much all of their big players being linked with moves away from the club, we can understand why the pressure is piling up right now – but they need to stay focused on the task at hand because this season is wide open.

Team News

There are plenty of absences for Leipzig to deal with but in a spot of good news, Samardzic and Hwang are both back in training after spells with COVID-19. Unfortunately, that’s where the positive aspect of the team news ends with Szoboszlai being out for the rest of the month, Laimer & Henrichs being ruled out and the following players being doubtful: Halstenberg, Nkunku, Mukiele, Konate and Klostermann.

Borussia Dortmund

For years now Borussia Dortmund have flirted with the idea of being the top dogs both domestically and in Europe, but for whatever reason, they tend to fall short more often than not. Some will blame their transfer policy whereas others will suggest they simply aren’t good enough to consistently compete on the elite level. Whatever the case may be, they’ll be eager to prove the masses wrong as their push for established dominance continues.

Team News

Moukoko and Haaland are both doubts for this one and outside of that, the following players have been officially ruled out: Schmelzer, Bellingham and Hazard with the latter being unable to shake off a muscle injury.

Factors to Consider

• Leipzig are in 2nd place with 31 points whereas Dortmund are in 4th place with 25 points.
• Leipzig have won five and drawn one of their last six games.
• Dortmund have won four and lost two of their last six games.
• Leipzig have scored 10 goals and conceded two in their last six games.
• Dortmund have scored 10 goals and conceded nine in their last six games.

Conclusion

We think Borussia Dortmund are going to come out and really put their best foot forward here, but the idea that it’s going to be enough to prevent Leipzig from winning the game is a bit too farfetched for us. The hosts are in the form of their lives and even though they always seem to have a slip-up waiting around the next corner, we don’t think this’ll be when it comes. Therefore, we’re predicting that Leipzig will grind out an entertaining 2-1 win on Saturday.

Prediction: RB Leipzig win

Best Odds: 27/20

Bookmaker: 888sport