Bayern Munich will be looking to repair some of the damage caused when they tackle RB Leipzig at the Allianz Arena in the Bundesliga’s early Saturday evening kick-off.
A turbulent week on the pitch was compounded by three defeats, one of which arrived via the Champions League following a surprise 1-0 reverse at the hands of Lazio.
Moreover, the news of Thomas Tuchel’s departure at the end of the season will have sparked conversations in the Bayern dressing room about who will take over the reins.
Leipzig, however, are on a mission, and they won’t be in a forgiving mood. Just one point adrift of Borussia Dortmund, cementing a top-four berth will be their priority.
Bayern have been in crisis mode, but the scale of their injury list has also hindered them. However, with key players mooted to return, including Serge Gnabry, Tuchel probably can’t wait for March to roll around.
Reeling in Bayer Leverkusen, who remain unbeaten and with an eight-point advantage at the top of the table, is a rather tall order.
But can Bayern get back to winning ways? I have provided the lowdown on the game, disseminating some key stats, and I have handpicked a couple of tips for you to chew over.
RB Leipzig to add to Bayern’s woes
Given Bayern’s supremacy in recent times, it seems almost unfathomable the troubles that have plagued them.
Were a third league defeat on the trot be inflicted, it would be the first time in nine years that Tuchel’s charges have plumbed such depths, so this is relatively new territory.
Ok, it is perhaps worth bearing in mind that Bayern are four points better off (50) at this stage than last term, and while Tuchel is heading for the door in the summer, he has picked up 16 league wins to date which shouldn’t be scoffed at.
Although in years gone by, Bayern have had the upper hand over Leipzig, more recent meetings would suggest the tide is starting to turn.
Indeed, Leipzig have won two of the past three clashes, with the last league encounter resulting in a pulsating 2-2 draw.
Bayern look far from their imperious best, and Leipzig will feed off any nervous tension lingering in their opponents.
To kick things off, I’m going with Leipzig to pull off a win, and they are available at an attractive 10/3 to do so with Paddy Power.
Lois Openda to rattle off a quick-fire double
It has been a seamless transition for Lois Openda, and he has become one of the deadliest strikers in Europe.
16 Bundesliga goals encompasses a fabulous debut campaign for the 24-year-old Belgian, and he has been in a rich vein of form, scoring five goals in his past six matches in all competitions.
Leipzig are known for hitting quickly on the counter, and Openda is normally a handful.
To accompany my tip of a Leipzig win, I have a predilection that Opena could be among the goals.
A 10/1 price is floating about at bet365 for Openda to net a double that could be too tempting to resist.
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