RB Leipzig host Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
Having failed to win any of their opening three matches, both sides will be aiming to end that run when they face each other this weekend.
Match preview
© Reuters
That is particularly true for Leipzig, whose slow start to the season has left them seven points adrift of league leaders Bayern Munich already.
After drawing against Stuttgart and FC Koln, Die Roten Bullen were beaten 2-1 away to Union Berlin last time out, despite having 74% possession and 16 shots across the course of the match.
However, the hosts always looked the more likely side to score, with Jordan Siebatcheu and Sheraldo Becker continuing their superb form with a counter-attacking goal apiece before the half-time interval.
Willi Orban's close-range header gave his side hope seven minutes from time, but Union Berlin's goalkeeper Fredrik Ronnow was only forced into making one save in the entire game, suggesting that his side were good value for their victory.
Domenico Tedesco must ensure that Leipzig's season does not drift into the abyss, with a home match against Wolfsburg representing a good chance for them to secure their first victory of the campaign.
© Reuters
Wolfsburg travel to Leipzig level on points with their forthcoming opponents having also drawn two and lost one of their opening three games.
Having drawn 2-2 at home against Werder Bremen on the opening day, the Wolves were held by another newly-promoted side in the form of Schalke last time out, with the two teams playing out a 0-0 stalemate at the Volkswagen Arena.
Koen Casteels kept the scoreline level before the break by twice denying Simon Terrode from the penalty spot, having been adjudged to have prematurely stepped off his line for Terrode's first attempt. The Belgian goalkeeper was not to be fooled by the striker's double-bluff, though, as he dived the same way to great success and understandable adulation from his teammates.
Head coach Niko Kovac would have left the ground disappointed that his side could not help him to his first win in charge having dominated the second half, with Joshau Guilavogui's effort ruled out for offside before Ridle Baku missed a glorious opportunity to snatch three points late in the match.
The 50-year-old will hope his side can prey on any nervousness within the Leipzig changing room, but it could turn out that they are playing them at the worst possible moment given their desperation for the three points as well.
- D
- D
- L
- L
- D
- D
- L
- D
- L
- D
- W
- D
- L
- D
Team News
© Reuters
Leipzig's hopes of gaining a positive result last time out were undeniably dented by Peter Gulasci's adductor injury, with Janis Blaswich standing in for the goalkeeper. It remains to be seen whether the Hungary stopper will return to action here.
Lukas Klostermann and Youssouf Poulsen remain sidelined, while Orban and Josko Gvardiol were forced into individual training during the week because of adductor complaints and therefore must be considered risks to start.
Marcel Halstenberg and Hugo Novoa are waiting in the wings should the duo be ruled out, but Dominik Szoboszlai is suspended for one more match after his dismissal against Koln.
With his side lacking ruthlessness in front of goal, Tedesco may be tempted to partner Timo Werner with Andre Silva, meaning Christopher Nkunku could play in a slightly deeper role.
Wolfsburg, meanwhile, will travel without Yannick Gerhardt (ligament) and Jonas Wind (thigh), while Patrick Wimmer (head) and Kilian Fischer (calf) remain doubts.
Despite his costly miss against Schalke, Baku could return to the starting XI in place of Jakub Kaminski in order to provide more balance to the side.
RB Leipzig possible starting lineup:
Gulasci; Simakan, Orban, Halstenberg; Henrichs, Kampl, Laimer, Raum; Nkunku; Silva, Werner
Wolfsburg possible starting lineup:
Casteels; Bornauw, Lacroix, Van De Ven; Baku, Svanberg, Guilavogui, Arnold, Otavio; Marmoush, Nmecha
We say: RB Leipzig 2-0 Wolfsburg
We expect Leipzig to record their first victory of the season on Saturday, with Wolfsburg lacking sharpness in transition to significantly hurt the home side.
Tedesco's side have been dominating games without testing opposition goalkeepers enough, but that should change in front of an expectant Red Bull Arena.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Brett Curtis
