RB Leipzig vs Bayern Munich
The fate of the Bundesliga title race is very much at stake when RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich collide for a blockbuster top-of-the-table clash.
The Red Bulls couldn’t have asked for a better time to face Bayern, who will be without injured talisman Robert Lewandowski.
Lewandowski’s absence has shifted the Bundesliga 2021 betting odds significantly as Leipzig look to cut Bayern’s lead to just one point with a win.
But the Bavarians are still a formidable side even without their top scorer and remain capable of stopping the Red Bulls in their tracks.
Talking Points
Leipzig hard to beat in the Bundesliga
RB Leipzig will enter this crucial top-of-the-table clash in terrific form in the league. They are unbeaten in their last eight games, with seven wins and a draw, to keep their title hopes alive.
Although, they have not looked quite as impressive against top opposition. They went two goals down at home against a dysfunctional Borussia Monchengladbach side, although they managed to stage a tremendous comeback capped by a stoppage-time winner. And they drew 1-1 at home to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Leipzig also lost both legs of their Champions League round-of-16 tie with Liverpool, who have had all sorts of problems this season.
Nevertheless, Julian Nagelsmann’s side should be feeling confident heading into their battle with Bayern. For one, star centre-back Dayot Upamecano, who is set to join Bayern next season, is back fit after missing their last game before the break with a thigh strain.
Meanwhile, Dani Olmo will return in brilliant form after a strong showing for Spain during the international break. The Spanish midfielder scored in his country’s last two World Cup qualifiers, including a last-gasp winner against Georgia.
Wing-backs Angelino and Marcel Halstenberg are still doubtful to play, with the latter coming into close contact with a COVID-19 positive team-mate on international duty. But Leipzig have a number of different wing-back options who can fill in if they can’t play.
Lewandowski loss a massive blow for Bayern
Bayern Munich have been rocked by the massive Bundesliga 2021 news that Robert Lewandowski suffered a knee injury on international duty with Poland and will be sidelined for the next month.
It cannot be overstated how big Lewandowski’s injury is for Bayern. The Pole has been in sensational form this season, scoring 35 goals in 25 Bundesliga games. He is just six goals shy of breaking Gerd Muller’s all-time single-season Bundesliga goalscoring record and has scored in each of his last 10 games for club and country.
The big question now is how Bayern boss Hansi Flick plans to play without Lewandowski. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is the only other centre-forward in the Bayern squad and appears to be the most logical replacement.
Although, Thomas Muller – who will be fresh and rested after not being called up by Germany – could also be deployed as a false nine with Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane in support. Muller is Bayern’s second-leading scorer with 10 goals and has a league-leading 14 assists. Meanwhile, Gnabry started all three World Cup qualifiers for Germany, scoring a goal and getting two assists.
Aside from Lewandowski, Bayern will also be without defenders Jerome Boateng and Alphonso Davies, who are both suspended. But David Alaba and Lucas Hernandez should be more than capable of stepping in.
History
Bayern have a significant 6-1 wins advantage over Leipzig in their limited head-to-heads. However, the Red Bulls have been much more competitive in recent years. They have held Bayern to four consecutive draws in the league.
That includes a thrilling 3-3 shootout in their first meeting this season at the Allianz Arena. Thomas Muller bagged a brace, including a 75th-minute equaliser after Leipzig had gone 3-2 ahead.
Betting Tip
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RB Leipzig vs Bayern Munich | 1X2 Draw @ 3.30 |
| April 4, 00:30 (GMT+8) |
Despite Lewandowski’s injury, SBOTOP odds still have Bayern Munich installed as slight 2.49 favourites over RB Leipzig, who are priced at 2.72 to pick up an important home win. A draw is 3.35.
Based on their recent history, it would not be a surprise if Bayern and Leipzig do draw for the fifth straight time.
A draw would certainly benefit Bayern more, and the fact that Lewandowski is out could see them play a more conservative style away from home. Meanwhile, Leipzig have had their problems scoring against top opponents, and they could find Bayern harder to break down.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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