RB Leipzig vs Hoffenheim Preview: Team News & Prediction

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Another Champions League chasing showdown awaits RB Leipzig as Hoffenheim visit the Red Bull Arena.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – BBC iPlayer / US – ESPN

How to watch online: UK – BBC Sport website & BBC iPlayer / US – ESPN+

RB Leipzig preview: Firing blanks

RB Leipzig’s top four hopes were dealt a frustrating blow last time out as their offense was shut out by Stuttgart, Sebastian Hoeness’ side beating Leipzig by a goal to nil and establishing a three-point lead above them in the table and leaving Ole Werner’s men in fifth-place. That result also snapped Leipzig’s unbeaten streak in the Bundesliga.

There was a lack of cutting edge from Leipzig which ultimately saw them fall short in the end. They’ve struggled at times defensively, which means that when the attack goes to sleep, gaining three points becomes extremely difficult.

Hoffenheim preview: Hanging on

Hoffenheim still hold third-place in the Bundesliga table but the gap is as close as can be. Only goal difference sees them above Stuttgart, whilst the gap between them and RB Leipzig stands at just three points headed into this big showdown.

The visitors missed the chance to build a cushion between themselves and Leipzig after being held to a 1-1 draw by Wolfsburg in Sinsheim last time out. It could’ve been worse when Christian Ilzer’s side fell behind in the second half before an equaliser from Grischa Promel rescued them.

RB Leipzig team news: No surprises expected

RB Leipzig will likely field the same line-up we’ve been accustomed to recently, although there is a chance that Schlager could play in midfielder after returning off the bench this past weekend.

Predicted XI: (3-4-3): Vandevoordt; Baku, Orban, Lukeba, Raum; Gruda, Seiwald, Baumgartner; Diomande, Romulo, Nusa

Unavailable: Gulacsi (Injured), Nedeljkovic (Injured)

Questionable: 

Hoffenheim team news: Same three out

Expect Hoffenheim to be without the trio of Valentin Gendrey, Adam Hlozek and Koki Machida once again for this match as they each continue their respective recoveries from injury.

Predicted XI: (4-3-3): Baumann; Coufal, Hranac, Kabak, Bernardo; Avdullahu, Burger, Prass; Kramaric, Asllani, Toure

Unavailable: Gendrey (Injured), Hlozek (Injured), Machida (Injured)

Questionable:

RB Leipzig vs Hoffenheim prediction

There is definitely more pressure on RB Leipzig here following their loss to Stuttgart. Especially knowing that a win draws them level on points with Hoffenheim and putting them right back in that top four dogfight. But despite a lowering in performance levels recently, don’t expect Hoffenheim to give in easily and they’ve enough offensive quality to really trouble the hosts.

At home, Leipzig should dominate much of the play but their inability in recent weeks to keep a clean sheet cannot be ignored. Back both teams to find the net in a contest that is likely to see over 2.5 goals scored overall.

RB Leipzig vs Hoffenheim tip: Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score