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TIME TO FIGHT BACK

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RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund are set to collide in the big game of Bundesliga this week on Saturday. Dortmund have been flying in Germany despite the sudden loss of Erling Haaland to a long term injury. Leipzig on the other hand are playing very poorly compared to the season they had previously. It seems like their new manager, Jesse Marsch hasn’t lived up to their mighty standard since they are currently 8th on the table but they too have turned things around since the start of the season.

Initially, they lost 3 out of their first 5 games and failed to get on a consistent winning run since then. They haven’t lost in their last 5 games and have scored 21 goals so far which is a great number at this stage. They would be especially confident after their recent draw against PSG in the Champions League earlier this week.

Dortmund are 2nd in the league table and are just one point behind league leaders Bayern Munich which makes this game more crucial. One slip up from the away side would help Bayern increase the gap between their fierce rivals and run away with the Bundesliga title, which is why every point counts for Dortmund. Although they lost their game against Ajax in the UCL, Dortmund have won their last 4 Bundesliga games in a row which would massively help their morale heading up to the game.

TEAM NEWS

Leipzig are quite short on players at the back since they have 4 defenders out injured heading up to the big game. Orban, Klostermann, Saracchi and Halstenberg are unavailable for Marsch’s picking.

RB Leipzig Predicted Starting Lineup: Gulacsi; Mukiele, Simakan, Gvardiol; Adams, Haidara, Laimer, Angelino; Nkunku, Szoboszlai; Silva

Dortmund have an injury crisis at hand with multiple important players out on long term injuries. Reyna, Schmelzer, Haaland, Can, Schulz, Gurreierro, Morey and Wolf are unavailable for the team selection.

Dortmund Predicted Starting Lineup: Kobel; Akanji, Hummels, Pongracic; Meunier, Bellingham, Witsel, Passlack; Malen, Hazard, Reus

GAME CHANGERS

CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU

Nkunku has been in great form this season having scored 11 goals already. He also scored against PSG earlier this week in the 8th minute of the game which shows how good he has been for Leipzig recently. He makes 6.25 touches in the box and creates 1.92 chances per game on average, Nkunku is their main man in this campaign and Dortmund will have a run for their money in order to contain him in the all-important fixture.

JUDE BELLINGHAM

Although Erling Haaland is out of contention, Dortmund has another wunderkind up their sleeves who has matured into one of the best footballers in the world in such a short duration of time. Bellingham acts like a natural leader in the heart of midfield and is an extremely important player in Rose’s setup. The youngster has made his mark by providing 5 assists this season and on top of that his defensive stats too are only a shy away from perfection. He has made 2.47 blocks per 90 and his huge figure helps him track the opposition and provide interference in the midfield.

PREDICTION

Two equally matched sides but Dortmund’s injury crisis is bound to affect them at games like these. Leipzig are slowly getting back into their groove which is why this fixture is too close to call. FootTheBall predicts RB Leipzig 2-2 Dortmund.

Karthik Mudaliar
A Manchester City fan, who idolizes Guardiola. Never blue unlike the team he supports, you will always find him smiling. He spends his free time playing Fifa and watching anime on most days.

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