RB Leipzig vs. Bayer Leverkusen Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 25 January 2025 - bettingexpert

This Bundesliga clash between RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen is set for 25 January 2025 at the Red Bull Arena Leipzig, kicking off at 14:30. This match holds significant importance as both teams strive to secure crucial points in the league standings. RB Leipzig currently sits in 5th position with 31 points, while Bayer Leverkusen is in 2nd with 41 points, firmly in the title race.

RB Leipzig comes into this match with shaky defensive form. Their recent results (WDLWL) highlight their struggles, especially given their elimination from the Champions League and a 3-3 draw against Bochum. In contrast, Bayer Leverkusen, managed by Xabi Alonso, remains unbeaten in their last 25 matches, making them the bookmaker’s favourite with odds at 1.89.

Key players for Leipzig like Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons will need to shine, particularly against Leverkusen’s formidable attack led by Florian Wirtz and Patrik Schick. Expect goals from both sides, but given Leverkusen’s impressive form, our prediction leans towards an away win. Recommended bet: Bayer Leverkusen to win.

RB Leipzig vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction & Betting tip

RB Leipzig vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Bayer Leverkusen to Win	1.98

• Stronger Form: Bayer Leverkusen is in exceptional form, having won their last six matches and remaining unbeaten in their last 25 games.
• Defensive Woes: RB Leipzig has been struggling defensively, conceding goals consistently, which may give the upper hand to Leverkusen’s potent attack.
• Consistency: Bayer Leverkusen has a strong record of scoring first in 78% of their matches this season, showcasing their early dominance in games.

RB Leipzig vs Bayer Leverkusen Odds

RB Leipzig vs Bayer Leverkusen Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
RB Leipzig	3.68
Draw	3.89
Bayer Leverkusen	1.89

Bayer Leverkusen, currently second in the Bundesliga standings, come into this match as the favourites with odds of 1.89 to win.
RB Leipzig, positioned fifth, face longer odds at 3.68. A draw has odds of 3.89.
These odds reflect Leverkusen’s recent successes and RB Leipzig’s defensive struggles. A bet on Leverkusen could be rewarding given their form and Leipzig’s inconsistent results.

RB Leipzig Team Analysis

RB Leipzig Recent Performance

Home team	Away team	Result
RB Leipzig	Sporting CP	2-1 (Win)
Bochum	RB Leipzig	3-3 (Draw)
VfB Stuttgart	RB Leipzig	2-1 (Loss)
RB Leipzig	Werder Bremen	4-2 (Win)
Bayern Munich	RB Leipzig	5-1 (Loss)

Recent Form: WDLWL

RB Leipzig has had a mixed bag of results in their recent matches, illustrating both their scoring capability and defensive weaknesses. They’ve scored an average of 2.20 goals per game in their last five outings but have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of those matches. This inconsistency, particularly at the back, has made it challenging for them to climb higher in the standings, currently sitting fifth with 31 points. Despite the defensive lapses, Benjamin Sesko continues to be a bright spot with his goal-scoring prowess.

RB Leipzig Key Players

RB Leipzig will rely heavily on the agility and goal-scoring prowess of Benjamin Sesko, their top scorer with 8 goals this season, to break through Bayer Leverkusen’s defense. Pairing Sesko in attack will likely be Ikoma Lois Openda, adding another layer of threat to the opposition’s backline.
Midfield dynamo Xavi Simons, on loan from PSG, will be crucial in linking up play, supported by the ever-reliable Amadou Haidara and the newly acquired Arthur Vermeeren. The backline will miss the experience of Benjamin Henrichs due to injury, but Willi Orban’s leadership should provide stability.
Expected lineup for RB Leipzig:

• Goalkeeper: Maarten Vandevoordt
• Defenders: Lutsharel Geertruida, El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Willi Orban, David Raum
• Midfielders: Christoph Baumgartner, Nicolas Seiwald, Amadou Haidara, Xavi Simons
• Forwards: Benjamin Sesko, Ikoma Lois Openda

Key individual battles to watch include Werner against Leverkusen’s seasoned central defender Jonathan Tah, which could set the tone for attacking duels.

RB Leipzig Suspensions & Injuries

RB Leipzig currently has several injuries that could significantly impact their performance against Bayer Leverkusen. The absence of key players such as Benjamin Henrichs and Assan Ouédraogo means coach Marco Rose will need to rely on his squad depth to fill in the gaps. Additionally, André Silva is also out with a calf injury, affecting their attacking options.

Player	Injury	Expected return
Assan Ouédraogo	Hamstring Injury	Mid April 2025
Benjamin Henrichs	Achilles tendon injury	Out for season
Xaver Schlager	Knee injury	About a week
Andre Silva	Calf Injury	Early February 2025

With Schlager’s expected return approaching, his availability could provide a much-needed boost in midfield in the coming matches.

RB Leipzig Tactics and Formation

RB Leipzig Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Goalkeeper: Peter Gulacsi
• Defensive Line: Lukas Klostermann, Willi Orban, Nicolas Seiwald
• Midfield Setup: Ridle Baku, Arthur Vermeeren, Kevin Kampl, David Raum
• Attacking Midfielders: Xavi Simons, Christoph Baumgartner
• Centre Forward: Antonio Nusa

Leipzig under Marco Rose has opted for a solid back three to compensate for defensive struggles. The midfield features a blend of experience and youth, with Arthur Vermeeren and Kevin Kampl orchestrating the play. Ridle Baku and David Raum provide width, while Simons and Baumgartner support Nusa in attack.

Despite their offensive capabilities, Leipzig has failed to keep clean sheets recently, suggesting they may focus on a compact defensive shape and quick transitions to catch Leverkusen off guard.

Bayer Leverkusen Team Analysis

Bayer Leverkusen Recent Performance

Bayer Leverkusen has been in fantastic form, showing why they are title contenders this season. With four wins out of their last five games, they are riding high in confidence.

Home team	Away team	Result
Atletico Madrid	Bayer Leverkusen	2-1 (Loss)
Bayer Leverkusen	Borussia Moenchengladbach	3-1 (Win)
Bayer Leverkusen	Mainz 05	1-0 (Win)
Borussia Dortmund	Bayer Leverkusen	2-3 (Win)
Bayer Leverkusen	Oberhausen	2-0 (Win)

Leverkusen has been efficient at both ends of the pitch, scoring an average of 2.00 goals per game while securing two clean sheets in their last five matches. This robust performance underscores their attack’s potency and defensive solidity. They have also been remarkably resilient, going unbeaten in 16 consecutive Bundesliga matches.

Bayer Leverkusen Key Players

Bayer Leverkusen have several star players to watch out for in their clash against RB Leipzig. Leading the charge will be their top scorer, Patrik Schick, who has found the back of the net 12 times this season. His clinical finishing will be a constant threat to Leipzig’s defense.

Patrik Schick often gets ample support from the dynamic Florian Wirtz, who is known for his creativity and vision. Granit Xhaka, with his experience, anchors the midfield, making crucial interceptions and dictating the tempo.

In defense, Jonathan Tah and Edmond Tapsoba form a solid partnership, crucial in keeping Leipzig’s lively forwards at bay.

Expected lineup for Bayer Leverkusen:

• Goalkeeper: Lukas Hradecky
• Defenders: Nordi Mukiele, Jonathan Tah, Edmond Tapsoba, Arthur
• Midfielders: Granit Xhaka, Robert Andrich, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Alejandro Grimaldo
• Striker: Patrik Schick

Bayer Leverkusen Suspensions & Injuries

Here’s a quick look at Bayer Leverkusen’s current injury list and how it might affect the team for their upcoming clash against RB Leipzig:

Player	Injury	Expected return
Amine Adli	Broken leg	Mid February 2025
Jeanuel Belocian	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid September 2025
Martin Terrier	Achilles tendon injury	Out for season

At the moment, Bayer Leverkusen don’t have any players suspended.

These injuries could affect Leverkusen’s depth, particularly the absence of Adli and Terrier, who are key attacking options. However, with players like Patrik Schick and Florian Wirtz in top form, Leverkusen still have enough firepower to challenge RB Leipzig. Keep an eye on substitutions as the lack of depth might force Xabi Alonso to make tactical adjustments during the game.

Bayer Leverkusen Tactics and Formation

Bayer Leverkusen’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Predominantly set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, which allows flexibility in transitioning between attack and defense.
• Key Forward: Patrik Schick, who has netted 12 goals this season, will be crucial in spearheading the attack.
• Midfield Dynamic: Granit Xhaka and Robert Andrich provide a formidable presence in the midfield, offering both defensive cover and offensive support.
• Wing Play: Nordi Mukiele and Alejandro Grimaldo are expected to exploit the flanks, contributing to both defense and attack, making use of their pace and crossing abilities.
• Defensive Solidity: With two clean sheets in their last five games and a solid defensive trio of Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, and Arthur, Leverkusen’s backline has shown resilience.
• Notable Strategy: Bayer Leverkusen often scores first, having done so in 78% of their matches this season, indicating a strong start to their games.

This balanced approach, combining solid defense and versatile offense, has contributed to their impressive form.

RB Leipzig vs Bayer Leverkusen Head-to-Head Statistics

Home	Away	Result
No Data Available	No Data Available	No Data Available

Given that there is no recorded head-to-head information for the last five meetings between RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen, it appears these teams have not previously clashed in recent times.
This match could set a precedent and be pivotal for both teams, adding an extra layer of anticipation as they face off at Red Bull Arena Leipzig. With Leverkusen currently in impressive form and Leipzig looking to bounce back, fans can expect an intriguing encounter.

Odds accurate as of 23 January 2025 at 2:31 PM, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.