Prediction: RB Leipzig vs Paderborn

Prediction: RB Leipzig win

Best Odds: 1/7

Bookmaker: bet365

While the return of Serie A, La Liga and the Premier League may be on the focus of the football world right now is still very much on what’s happening in the German Bundesliga. With just five games left to play there’s still a whole lot we need to figure out, and that journey will continue this weekend. Today, we’re going to be taking a look at what many consider to be a David vs Goliath clash as RB Leipzig’s Champions League push comes up against the relegation battlers of Paderborn.

RB Leipzig

While the unbeaten run of Leipzig may be the headline for a lot of fans, it’s worth remembering that they could easily have been in the title hunt this season if they’d have been able to grind out a few more wins from their frustrating draws. The win over Cologne earlier this week served as a nice boost for them heading into this game, but you can still feel that complacency creeping into their style of play. If they don’t make a statement this weekend, some eyebrows may start to be raised.

Team News

Ampadu, Konate and Poulsen are all out of action for this game whereas Kampl is a doubt. Werner is set to lead the line with Upamecano and Sabitzer maintaining the core of the squad.

Paderborn

Edging out a series of draws is all well and good, but when you’re cut adrift at the bottom of the table as Paderborn are, you need to start making the most of the games you’ve got left. The humbling 6-1 defeat at the hands of Borussia Dortmund confirmed the worst fears of their fanbase, with many believing that the hope and desire has evaporated from the squad. Still, if they want to put up something resembling a fight, they may as well start that run against one of the best teams in the league.

Team News

Holtmann and Kilian are both doubts due to match fitness, but aside from that, Paderborn have a relatively clean bill of health.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting earlier this season Leipzig beat Paderborn 3-2.
• Leipzig have won three and drawn three of their last six games.
• Paderborn have drawn three and lost three of their last six games.
• Leipzig have scored 15 goals and conceded five in their last six games.
• Paderborn have scored three goals and conceded 11 in their last six games.

Conclusion

Paderborn will try to sit back and invite pressure from Leipzig before looking to strike courtesy of a clever set piece, although you’d think they would have more luck if they just went for it and threw everything they had at Leipzig. We don’t think this is going to be the kind of one-sided domination that many would believe, but we do feel as if Leipzig winning is inevitable. They’ll edge into a narrow lead before coasting for the rest of the game, and while that may not be attractive, its’ what you have to do sometimes.

Prediction: RB Leipzig win

Best Odds: 1/7

Bookmaker: bet365