This weekend could be a pivotal round of fixtures in the Bundesliga title fight. Both RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich have difficult fixtures to contend with, but could we see new leaders of the top-tier in Germany by the end of the weekend?
RB Leipzig vs Bayer Leverkusen
RB Leipzig have been in tremendous form throughout the season to this point, and they are showing no sign of giving in to Bayern Munich. Leipzig and Bayern have been the most consistent teams in the league this term, and Leipzig will be looking to go back to the top of the league when they host Bayer Leverkusen.
Leipzig have recovered from their brief slip in form to win two games in a row, and they are also unbeaten in four. They have lost just three games this campaign, which is the best record in the Bundesliga. However, the amount of games that they are drawing is hindering their chances. They have drawn twice in their past five, which has enabled Bayern to open up a one-point lead. Leipzig were in dominant form during their last outing as they recorded a 5-0 win over Schalke. Marcel Sabitzer, Timo Werner, Marcus Halstenberg, Angelino and Emil Forsberg scored the goals in that win.
Meanwhile, Bayer are improving as the season goes on, and they are just outside of the top-four on goal difference. They have won their last three, and have also won four of their past five games in the Bundesliga. Their last outing in the division was a comfortable 2-0 win against Augsburg, with Moussa Diaby and Nadiem Amiri scoring the goals. However, they will need to bet at their very best to beat Leipzig.
The meeting earlier in the season ended as a 1-1 draw, but the preference for this game would be for Leipzig to take the three points that they need to go back to the top.
Hoffenheim vs Bayern Munich
The current league leaders will be hoping that they can keep their advantage at the top of the league when they travel to Hoffenheim. However, the hosts will have hopes of their own, as they are looking for the three points that could put them in contention for a top-four finish.
Bayern have been in dominant form over the past five league games, winning four of five. That record sees them go into this round of fixtures as the league leaders. They have the best-attacking record in the Bundesliga, as they have scored 65 goals in their 23 league games this term. Their most recent outing was a 3-2 win against Paderborn, which ensured that they have now won their last two following their 0-0 draw against Leipzig. Robert Lewandowski scored two more goals in that win, which means he has now scored 25 goals in 23 games this season. The Pole will once again be the leading chance for the first goalscorer in the match.
Hoffenheim’s chances of achieving a top-four finish have been diminishing over recent weeks as they haven’t won in their last three. During that run, they have lost twice. Their most recent game in the league ended in a draw against Borussia Monchengladbach. They were fortunate to have escaped with a point as Lucas Ribeiro scored the equaliser in the 92nd minute. The draw does mean that they still have an outside chance of achieving a European finish this term.
However, their recent record doesn’t offer much optimism, especially against a side with as much talent as Bayern Munich. The preference for bettors will be for the visiting side making it three wins on the bounce.
