Leipzig vs. Gladbach preview: Die Fohlen badly need a result
Leipzig play host to wrap up Saturday’s Matchday 22 games against Gladbach, who haven’t won in their last four league contests.
Leipzig
Leipzig had a brutal league schedule to start the calendar year, but have now claimed four points from their last two games and are pushing for the top four once again. They controversially lost to Real Madrid in the first leg of Champions League this week, but will have another chance against the Spaniards in a few weeks time.
It will be interesting to see whether Marco Rose continues with a front two of Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda on Saturday evening, or whether Amadou Haidara returns to the starting lineup. Openda and David Raum are both on four yellow cards and are nearing a suspension.
When asked about his former club, Rose commented, “They're great guys, some of whom I'm still in contact with. Back then, I had an exciting and successful time as a coach in Gladbach. We qualified for the Champions League and made it to the round of 16. I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of people again.”
Team News
Red Bull have no reported absences.
Gladbach
Gladbach surprisingly drew to lowly Darmstadt last weekend and have only claimed one victory in the new year. The now 13th-place side continue to drop down the league table and questions are being raised over the job status of Gerardo Seoane.
The time to start a run is now, as Gladbach have a very favorable schedule following Matchday 22 against teams all in the relegation fight. It’s still unclear if Alassane Plea is healthy enough to start on Saturday, but the back three of Elvedi, Itakura and Wöber should continue.
In his presser, Seoane said, "We're not happy with the result and performance against Darmstadt. We have to work to improve and stick together. We knew in the summer what was ahead of us. We have to continue on this path."
Team News
Jordan, Robin Hack and Florian Neuhaus missed some training this week, but they’re all expected to play. Jonas Omlin was back on the training pitch this week, but Saturday is likely too soon for a return. Plea is questionable and Tomas Cvancara is out.