Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig Best Bet Preview

Bayern Munich hosts a massive game in the Bundesliga on Friday night, with RB Leipzig having the chance to close the gap to just three points at the top as Josh Ingram oversees a Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig best bet preview.

The Bavarian outfit lost their first Bundesliga game last weekend and are looking for a positive result to see them maintain their lead at the top of the table. While it’s uncertain if Marco Rose will be in his role once the winter break is over, he needs as many good performances as possible in his back pocket; otherwise, he could be looking for a new job in the new year. 

Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig Best Bet: Magic man Musiala

Germany, Bundesliga, Friday, December 20th, 19:30 (UK)

Bayern Munich fell to a 2-1 defeat in their most recent Bundesliga game. Their first defeat in the league this season, cutting their lead to four points from seven. They’re being chased by Bayer Leverkusen, who will not relent in the hunt to retain the title. Leverkusen aren’t the same all-conquering side of last season, but it’s Bayern who are out to prove a point and prove they are good enough under Vincent Kompany. 

One of the key components who needs to be at the top of his game this season if Bayern are to win the league once more is their magic man in the number ten role. Jamal Musiala is a sensational footballer and a vital cog for the Bavarian giants, especially while Harry Kane is injured.

Musiala has already eclipsed his goal total for last season when he managed 12 in all competitions. The young German has 13 already this term, with an impressive eight strikes in the league. These numbers are well up from the same time last year. He has become essential in making this new look Bayern team tick. The number of shots he is taking per 90 has increased compared to last season; in the Bundesliga in 2023/24, he let fly an average of 2.97 times per 90, but this season, he is sitting at 4.02 per 90. There’s more chance of scoring when you shoot more. Simple. 

Jamal Musiala regularly overperforms his xG. He has done so at Bayern Munich in all five seasons he has been a professional footballer. So, it’s not that big of a red flag like it would be for some players. Increased productivity is inviting when backing a player to find the net, especially one of this calibre. 

Marco Rose has been told he will meet with the higher-ups during the winter break. His job is clearly in the balance; they have been shocking in the Champions League this season, losing every single game and being one of the first sides eliminated. Their Bundesliga form has picked up slightly, and they are now just six points off the top, a position many would expect if you had just watched them play in Europe.

Leipzig are struggling this campaign but they’ve found a few wins lately. Now facing a Kompany team that will want to rectify the mistakes against Mainz, this will likely be a tricky spot for the away side. The game will run through Musiala and he should dictate the play. He is the difference maker, whoever Bayern play, and this clash at the top end of the table should be no different. I fancy him to have a lot of joy here and find the net at least once.

• Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig Best Bet: Jamal Musiala anytime goalscorer (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 2.50
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 10/10 (TRACKED BET) 

Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig Best Bet odds via bet365 as at 12:00, December 17th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups Best Bet:  Swathes of injuries for both

The injured player list is long at Bayern Munich, with star man Harry Kane still out with a hamstring issue and Kingsley Coman struggling with the same problem. Serge Gnabry and Joao Palhinha have stepped up their comebacks as they start to do ball work on the training ground, but they will still miss this one. These absentees in forward areas mean a front four of Michael Olise, Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala and Thomas Muller is leaned on to grab the goals. It’s not just absentees in forward areas – Manuel Neuer has a rib injury, so Daniel Peretz will be between the sticks. Konrad Laimer will be at fullback once again due to defensive injuries plaguing the squad. Sacha Boey also injured the ligaments in his ankle, forcing him out for an extended period. 

Like their opponents, RB Leipzig are riddled with injuries across the pitch. David Raum has also injured his ankle ligaments and will be out for a while; Marco Rose will also be without Castello Lukeba. Rose has been forced to play Orban and Lutsharel Geertruida as the central back pairing. Short of options across the pitch, the lineup picks itself, with only Lois Openda and Benjamin Sesko leading the line. The same midfield trio is likely after their impressive display against Frankfurt.

Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:
Peretz; Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Musiala, Sane; Muller

RB Leipzig possible starting lineup:
Vandevoordt; Henrichs, Seiwald, Orban, Geetruid, Nusa; Baumgartner, Schlager, Kampl; Sesko, Openda

Match Stats: Brilliant Bayern

• RB Leipzig has won just one Bundesliga game in their ten attempts against Bayern Munich. This solitary win came in the 2022/23 season, where they won 3-1 thanks to two penalties scored by Christopher Nkunku and Dominic Szoboszlai.
• Goals have been flying in recent games between the two, with seven of the last eight having more than 2.5 goals and both teams scoring.
• Bayern Munich is the top scorer in the Bundesliga, scoring 42 goals while also having the best defence, with just 12 conceded.

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