RB Leipzig’s impressive rise has taken many by surprise in Germany and Bayern Munich in particular. Long considered one of the top clubs, this season has witnessed an exciting new rival in RB Leipzig.

Bayern are without three of their star players Xavi Simons, Joao Palhinha and Kingsley Coman due to injuries, while goalkeeper Manuel Neuer appears likely to remain sidelined until at least mid-January; Alphonso Davies could fill his boots.

Goalkeeper

Bayern Munich have been unbeaten at home this season, though they were held to a draw by close rival RB Leipzig on Matchday 14. These two sides will meet once more before Germany soccer goes into winter break mode; both should be fully fit for this crucial clash that could see one or both take another step toward their respective league titles.

Both teams are strong defensively, so a goalless draw may occur. But Bayern hold an advantage up front through Leroy Sane and James Rodriguez who have combined for 10 goals this season; their partnership is considered one of the finest in Germany. Both will hope to add to that tally against an opponent that defeated them last year in the DFL Supercup final.

Alphonso Davies was outstanding against Leipzig, and will be crucial for Bayern on Sunday evening. The Canadian full-back is fast and powerful enough to dominate down Bayern’s left flank – outpacing Leipzig defenders while creating chances for his teammates.

RB Leipzig have yet to claim their first win since November, yet their recent performance has improved considerably. They came back from behind against Eintracht Frankfurt before drawing with FC Koln. At present they sit fourth with six points trailing Bayern.

Kevin Kampl has a muscle problem which may keep him out, though midfielder Joao Palhinha (groin injury) could return. Castello Lukeba will miss until February 2025 so Nicolas Seiwald, Willi Orban and Lutsharel Geertruida could form part of the back three instead.

Bayern are making their last home fixture of the season against Red Bulls at Allianz Arena on March 17 and have won both encounters between them thus far, without conceding a goal or coming away empty handed from either encounter. As their previous two matches against each other have ended with victory for Bayern, they will look for another triumphant win this time round in order to complete a league series unbeaten record.

Defenders

Defense will be key in this match between Bundesliga giants. Bayern Munich are hoping for their fourth successive win at Allianz Arena while Leipzig are keen not to suffer another setback in consecutive defeats.

Bayern could take control of first place if they win this match-up against RB Leipzig, who sit just above relegation zone. But don’t take them for granted: Die Roten Bullen are determined competitors that will put on an impressive performance against Bayern.

Bayern will be without injured defenders Sacha Boey, Hiroki Ito and Josip Stanisic as well as goalkeeper Manuel Neuer who could miss until January. Daniel Peretz will start in goal, with Kim Min-jae, Dayot Upamecano and Alphonso Davies likely starting as centre-backs; Raphael Guerreiro or Davies could play on the right – both natural fullbacks; Leon Goretzka should partner Joshua Kimmich as central midfield partners. Leon Goretzka should partner Joshua Kimmich in central midfield alongside Leon Goretzka alongside Joshua Kimmich in central midfield alongside Joshua Kimmich in central midfield

Though they will be without several key players, the Bundesliga champions remain heavy favourites to come away victorious from this matchup. Unbeaten in four league matches since facing Leipzig three times before now; their visitors however should not be underestimated as they remain undefeated during five away trips since joining.

Leipzig were defeated 2-1 at Allianz Arena during their last visit, due to Harry Kane’s double. But Leipzig have won both of their previous encounters against Bayern; including in the 2023/24 DFL Supercup final and Champions League quarter-final tie second leg.

Tuchel’s side aren’t afraid of playing expansive football and exploit gaps in defence through pace, power and technical ability. They will look to replicate their impressive home display against Bayern.

First half was completely controlled by Leipzig with Bayern failing to create any real opportunities. Second half, Leipzig increased their intensity and started creating some problems, which resulted in Leroy Sane scoring late penalty that secured their win – it marked their ninth away victory this season and moved them up five places in the standings.

Midfielders

The Bundesliga title race has tightened significantly this season and both sides need maximum points to strengthen their claims for glory. Bayern will look to secure 11 consecutive championship victories when they host RB Leipzig at the Allianz Arena on Saturday evening.

Recent performances for Bayern have been impressive and they currently hold a five-point advantage over second-placed Borussia Dortmund with four matches remaining. Their recent home victories prove they are in great form.

Joshua Kimmich will remain at the centre of defence alongside Daniel Peretz and Goretzka is expected to play an integral part in central midfield. Since Kompany returned, Goretzka has made six starts since returning and may make the case for starting every match this season.

Goretzka has made an impressionful impactful in the middle of the park with both his defense and passing abilities. He completed more passes from open play than any other player this season with 93% completion rate!

Jamal Musiala, 25, has struggled to score recently for Bayern and must improve his finishing. Although not strictly an offensive player, Jamal can create goals for others as well as score them himself.

Marco Rose may be without some key players for this match-up against Leipzig, including Amadou Haidara and defenders Castello Lukeba, Yussuf Poulsen and Xavi Simons – however the good news is that Christoph Baumgartner, Nicolas Seiwald and Xaver Schlager will be back available.

Amadou Haidara may be considered as a possible contender, while David Raum and Kevin Kampl’s fitness are yet to be assessed; both may miss out on starting roles due to being replaced with young players such as Lucas Piazon, Benjamin Sesko or Lois Openda from Leipzig’s roster. Leipzig hopes that these will all contribute more as their frontline works better together.

Forwards

After starting 2024 off poorly with four consecutive Bundesliga losses under Marco Rose’s management, Leipzig have shown significant improvement since. Since collecting seven out of nine points to take fifth spot they remain without injured duo Sacha Boey and Noussair Mazraoui; Konrad Laimer may return after suffering from calf injuries; Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, and Alphonso Davies could also play key roles.

RB Leipzig have some of the youngest attackers in the league and their fresh approach has been key in their recent rise. Dani Olmo made headlines at DFL Supercup when he scored three hat-tricks, while Jakub Blaszczykowski may once more prove pivotal for their hosts.

Leipzig deployed their forward line in a 4-3-3 formation with Forsberg acting as false nine and Nkunku and Kluivert being inverted forwards, creating space for them to advance beyond Boateng during defensive transitions and attack against Niklas Sule and Marcell Flick on their blind sides.

Out of possession, the Red Bulls employed three forwards and two midfielders as they applied pressure. Their first line would cover central defenders to prevent them from receiving possession while their second line engaged Lewandowski, Muller, and Goretzka in between defensive and midfield lines.

Once they had control of the ball in back, Bayern could break quickly by having Sane and Alaba drop into spaces between their markers to pull their markers out of position, thus providing access to pass through to runners ahead.

Bayern will likely field Lewandowski, Muller and Sane as their front three, though Sane may take on a deeper role on this occasion due to his excellent form in recent weeks. His goalscoring has been impressive and he will feel confident of scoring against Leipzig who have only managed 25 goals so far this season. Xavi Simons remains unavailable with an ankle injury while David Raum looks set for his comeback against Leipzig.

READ ALSO : Man City Vs Luton Town F.C. Lineups