Darmstadt vs. RB Leipzig preview: Die Lilien go for three in a row
Leipzig will try to end a three-game run without a win in all competitions as they travel to face an in-form Darmstadt side on Saturday.
Darmstadt
It was a dreadful August and September for the newly-promoted side, as many onlookers were already writing them off for the season. But, Darmstadt have looked like a different team in October with back-to-back wins to park themselves at 11th in the table.
Tim Skarke is playing some great football up front, but they just need to get his strike-partner Luca Pfeiffer on the books with his first goal of the season. Darmstadt’s only win against Leipzig came in 2014, but they did continue their positive run during the international break by defeating Elversberg in a friendly.
In his press conference, Torsten Lieberknecht said , "The boys aren't floating around the room after the two victories here. Likewise, they weren't lying dejected on the floor after the defeats. We have healthy self-confidence. And we're ready to continue working on ourselves and improving."
Team News
Emir Karic, Fabio Torsiello, and Aaron Seydel are out, while it’s unclear if Clemens Riedel will feature.
RB Leipzig
Leipzig could only manage two points from their last couple of Bundesliga games, but still have a lot to be encouraged about. Many German football fans will reluctantly admit that they have been enjoyable to watch this year, as Marco Rose has done a sensational job with so many new players.
Regular starters Dani Olmo and Benjamin Henrichs will return to the squad this weekend in a further boost to their hopes. The Red Bull club have defeated the last 12 newly-promoted teams they have faced in league play.
Rose stated, "Darmstadt have a good midfield. They play with a lot of pace and physicality. That's what you want to do as a promoted side. I've personally never been to Darmstadt, but I know that they've got a small ground and some great fans.”
Team News
Willi Orban and El Chadaille Bitshiabu are out, but Henrichs and Olmo both returned to team training this week and will be available. Lukas Klostermann is questionable with foot issues.