Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig Preview: Team News & Prediction
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Bayern Munich wrestled back the Meisterschale from Bayer Leverkusen in 2024-25 and the Rekordmeister lock horns with RB Leipzig in a blockbuster opening to the 2025-26 Bundesliga.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – BBC / US – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – BBC Sport website & BBC iPlayer / US – ESPN+
Bayern Munich preview: Kompany’s men gear up for defence
Bayern Munich will once again start the season as clear favourites to win the Bundesliga title and that’s no surprise when taking into account the quality of players at their disposal. Harry Kane leads the line once again and the England superstar’s goals will prove crucial to Bayern’s chances in all competitions across 2025-26.
Vincent Kompany has also been backed in the transfer window, bringing in attacking wide midfielder Luis Diaz from Liverpool to replace both Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman. Diaz headlines the incomings as it stands but Bayern are likely to add more new faces between now and the transfer window’s closing date.
RB Leipzig preview: Werner to lead revival
After a truly disastrous 2024-25 Bundesliga campaign for RB Leipzig, moves have been made by the hierarchy off the pitch to avoid a repeat this time around. Ole Werner has joined as head coach from Werder Bremen and the club have already spent around €90m on incomings. However, they have all been funded by the sale of Benjamin Sesko to Man Utd with Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons likely to leave as well between now and the end of the window.
Wide player Johan Bakayoko should prove a good signing from PSV Eindhoven, whilst forwards Romulo Cardoso and Yan Diomande have also come in to replace Sesko. But if Simons was to go as well, it will be very difficult for Leipzig to replace his attacking output and Werner will have to adjust as appropriate.
Bayern Munich team news: Musiala KO
A nasty ankle injury suffered at the Club World Cup rules Jamal Musiala out for the foreseeable future. Defenders Alphonso Davies and Hiroki Ito also miss out, whilst Aleksandar Pavlovic is doubtful.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer; Kimmich, Goretzka; Gnabry, Olise, Diaz; Kane
Unavailable: Bischof (Injured), Davies (Injured), Ito (Injured), Musiala (Injured)
Questionable: Pavlovic (Injured)
RB Leipzig team news: Simons to sit
Due to intense speculation regarding a potential transfer, it would be no surprise if Xavi Simons was to sit out of this one until his future is resolved one way or the other. Benjamin Henrichs is ruled out through injury.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Gulacsi; Baku, Orban, Lukeba, Raum; Seiwald, Schlager, Haidara; Bakayoko, Openda, Nusa
Unavailable: Gomis (Injured), Henrichs (Injured)
Questionable: Klostermann (Injured), Maksimovic (Injured)
Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig prediction
New season, new start for RB Leipzig but unfortunately for them, it’s a really tough opening fixture against Bayern Munich. Their backline will likely struggle to contain the offensive quality that Bayern possess within their squad and it would be no surprise to see plenty of possession from the hosts along with plenty of opportunities created.
As always, Harry Kane should be a decisive factor within the contest, such is the striker’s relentless hunger for goals and his ability to put himself in the right position at the crunch. With that in mind, it’s well worth backing Kane to get on the scoresheet here for Kompany’s side in an eventual Bayern Munich victory.
Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig tip: Harry Kane to score and Bayern Munich to win
