Prediction: RB Leipzig vs Freiburg

Verdict: Timo Werner to score

Best odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: William Hill

As the restart of the 2019/20 season in the Bundesliga approaches, RB Leipzig are set to take on Freiburg at the Red Bull Arena on Saturday afternoon in what will be the 26th round of the campaign, following a break which lasted over two months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

RB Leipzig

Leipzig reportedly face uncertainty over the futures of some of their key players in the period that is before us. The likes of striker Timo Werner and centre-back Dayot Upamecano have been heavily linked with departures, but while Werner still seems likely to change clubs, there are suggestions that Upamecano may yet sign a new deal and stay put. Be that as it may, it will be interesting to see how these players cope with their respective situations and how much they’ll be able to focus on their game for the rest of the season.

The break found Leipzig in third place with 50 points, still in with a shot of the title with Bayern Munich only five points above in the lead, and Borussia Dortmund ahead by a single point. On the other hand, they could even be left without a place in next season’s Champions League as Borussia Monchengladbach in fourth trail them by a point and Bayer Leverkusen in fifth by three.

The last six Bundesliga games saw Julian Nagelsmann’s team win two and draw the other four, but with two months squeezed between their last outing and this one, it could count for very little.

Team News

Upamecano won’t have to worry about putting in a good performance just yet, given that he is suspended for this match. Forward Emile Forsberg is also expected to miss it through tonsillitis. Nagelsmann’s attacking options could be even shorter with winger Marcel Sabitzer’s involvement in question, as well as that of centre-forward Patrik Schick. Defender Ibrahima Konate isn’t fully fit either, but he’s still expected to be included in the matchday squad.

Freiburg

Just like Leipzig, Freiburg have a lot to play for as well. After the previous 25 rounds, they occupy the eighth place, but that area of the table is quite congested and they could yet win a place in the Europa League next season. Freiburg have 36 points to their name, the same as Wolfsburg in seventh and just one less than Schalke 04 in sixth. On the other hand, Hoffenheim are right on their tail with 35.

Freiburg’s form before the forced break could only be described as patchy, with two wins, a draw and three defeats from their last six games. But as is the case with their host for this match, the long break will have given them enough time to reset and recharge their batteries, even if it has likely affected their coordination as a team.

Team News

Coach Christian Streich will welcome Christian Gunter and Manuel Gulde back into the fold after the pair of defenders recovered from a muscle and ankle issue, respectively.

However, Lukas Kubler is out. The right-back underwent knee surgery earlier this year and still isn’t ready to play.

Conclusion

It’s hard to imagine the visitors getting back from this trip with anything in their bag. Though Leipzig have several attacking issues, Werner, who has so far scored 21 goals in all 25 league games this season, will be eager to prove a point ahead of what will probably be a very important summer for his career.

Verdict: Timo Werner to score

Best odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: William Hill