RB Leipzig will look to boost their chances of securing a Champions League spot when they host Borussia Dortmund at Red Bull Arena on Saturday. Leipzig currently sit in sixth place with 39 points, just three points behind fourth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt. Meanwhile, Dortmund are struggling in 10th place with 35 points after suffering a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Augsburg last weekend.
Leipzig’s recent goalless draw against Freiburg highlighted their struggles in front of goal, with key players like Benjamin Sesko and Castello Lukeba missing clear chances. Die Roten Bullen have been inconsistent in attack, failing to score in four of their last eight matches. However, their strong home form, with five wins from their last eight games at Red Bull Arena, gives them confidence heading into this clash.
Dortmund, on the other hand, come into the game on the back of a frustrating loss to Augsburg, where they dominated possession but allowed just one shot on target. However, BVB responded well in midweek, securing a 2-1 victory over Lille in the Champions League to reach the quarter-finals, where they will face Barcelona.
Marco Rose’s side will be eager to avoid a second defeat against Dortmund this season, having lost 2-1 in the reverse fixture in November. On that occasion, Leipzig created no big chances while allowing Dortmund six. With creative midfielder Xavi Simons and forward Lois Openda leading the attack, Leipzig will hope to be more clinical this time around.
Under new head coach Niko Kovac, Dortmund have shown signs of improvement, winning three of their last six Bundesliga matches. Key players such as Julian Brandt and Karim Adeyemi have been instrumental in attack, while Nico Schlotterbeck and Emre Can have added stability at the back. Dortmund’s impressive away form, with four wins from their last five on the road, will give them confidence heading to Leipzig.
Leipzig will be without winger Antonio Nusa and full-back Benjamin Henrichs due to injury. Amadou Haidara and Arthur Vermeeren are expected to control the midfield, while Xavi Simons and Ridle Baku will provide support for strikers Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda.
Dortmund will miss defender Daniel Svensson and midfielder Felix Nmecha, while forward Serhou Guirassy is expected to lead the attack. Julian Ryerson, Ramy Bensebaini, and Marcel Sabitzer will also play key roles, with Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Karim Adeyemi providing pace on the flanks.
With Leipzig’s solid home record and Dortmund’s impressive away form, this is set to be a thrilling encounter. Both sides are capable of finding the back of the net, and a 2-2 draw seems a likely result.