RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim set for shootout
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Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann takes his team to the Red Bull Arena for a Monday night showdown with RB Leipzig. Nagelsmann is in his final months as Hoffenheim’s coach as he will take over Leipzig in the summer. The Hoffenheim boss will want to have a good showing against his future employers.
The German coach has continued his great work at Hoffenheim. They are in eighth place and just three points off of a European place currently. Hoffenheim are undefeated in five of their last six games, which includes three draws and two wins.
Ralf Rangnick’s Leipzig are fourth and could move into third depending on results elsewhere this weekend. Leipzig have won four of their last six games with just one of those ending in a loss. That loss came at the hands of league leader’s Borussia Dortmund. Rangnick has his team in good form, especially at home where they have taken 24 of 33 points this term.
Leipzig will be without defender Dayot Upamecano due to injury. However, Rangnick may have Amadou Haidara and Emile Smith Rowe available for selection. Smith Rowe joined the club on loan from Arsenal and big things are expected from him. Leipzig’s January signing of New York Red Bulls’ defensive midfielder Tyler Adams has been a revelation. The midfielder has played in five games in all competitions notching an assist. He should be in the Leipzig starting XI.
Hoffenheim are expected to have Ermin Bicakcic and Benjamin Hubner available for selection. Nagelsmann doesn’t have any new injury concerns and will be able to deploy his first-choice players against Leipzig.
Home has been where the heart is for Leipzig this term. They have scored the Bundesliga’s second most home goals (24) and conceded the second fewest (seven). However, Hoffenheim haven’t been shy in front of goal. Hoffenheim have recorded 44 goals this term, the league’s third most.
Monday’s game will see goals scored. There have been over 2.5 goals scored in nine of Hoffenheim's last 10 away Bundesliga games. Leipzig are undefeated in 11 of their last 12 home Bundesliga matches. The fixture should be an exciting one with goals flying in for both teams.
Leipzig have won three of their last six games against Hoffenheim. Nagelsmann’s team has won twice with one match ending in a draw. All six of those games saw 2.0 goals or more scored. Leipzig’s form has been fantastic in recent weeks. Rangnick’s team has more talent and playing at home will enable them to pick up another victory as they fight for a Champions League place. Leipzig to win with over 2.5 goals scored on Monday night.
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