RB Leipzig vs Bayer Leverkusen preview: Champions in need of reaction
RB Leipzig
As has been the tale of Leipzig's season thus far, the club have undergone an in-and-out run of form since the turn of 2025. Die Roten Bullen capitulated last time out in the Bundesliga, throwing away a three-goal lead to draw with bottom side Bochum, following their midweek implosion against Stuttgart, a match in which both Lois Openda and Benjamin Sesko were sent off in the latter stages.
After missing last weekend's clash, the return of Marco Rose's star strike partnership is a huge boost for this weekend, however.
Openda himself netted a landmark goal against Leverkusen back in August, scoring the winning goal in a 3-2 win that saw the end of a remarkable 35-game unbeaten Bundesliga run for the reigning champions.
This time however, Leipzig have a completely different test ahead of them, with the champions being formidable across recent months in the league, whilst Leipzig themselves had a torrid end to 2024, before entering the new year in inconsistent form.
Team News
Leipzig’s injury concerns are beginning to ease, though striker André Silva remains unavailable until early February amidst rumours of a potential loan deal. Fortunately, regulars Benjamin Šeško and Loïs Openda are back in contention after serving suspensions.
However, right Benjamin Henrichs has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an Achilles tendon injury suffered against Bayern München on the eve of the winter break.
In midfield, Arthur Vermeeren and Kevin Kampl are expected to start as a double pivot, with Forzan Assan Ouedraogo and Xaver Schlager both unlikely to feature on Saturday. Schlager, however, is nearing a return to fitness.
Bayer Leverkusen
After controlling most of the encounter against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening, Leverkusen fell to a shock 2-1 defeat at Atleti's Metropolitano after a Julian Alvarez double sparked a cacophony of noise in Madrid.
Playing into the hands of Tuesday's hosts, Xabi Alonso's men ended up in a physical battle with Los Colchoneros, seeing Pierro Hincapie see red before getting sent off, whilst Leverkusen suffered under the lights in Madrid, conceding late on when Julian Alvarez rounded Matej Kovar before tapping home.
Away from home in the Bundesliga, however, Die Werkself have been formidable, with the club unbeaten in their last 25 matches on the road. Saturday's clash in Leipzig, however, will be a huge test of Leverkusen's credentials at the top end of the league as they continue to pile the pressure on leaders Bayern München.
Team News
For Leverkusen, forward Amine Adli is targeting a return next month, but Martin Terrier has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
In attack, Patrik Schick is expected to lead the line, supported by Florian Wirtz and Nathan Tella. This attacking trio will likely operate ahead of midfield stalwarts Granit Xhaka and Robert Andrich.
Defensively, Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapié are set to form a back three, as Jeanuel Belocian remains sidelined until September.
