Kick-off: 1930, 20/01/2023
Stadium: Red Bull Arena
TV: Sky Sports
Bundesliga action returns this week after an absence of over two months when RB Leipzig entertain Bayern Munich on Friday night.
These teams clashed at this venue in the German Super Cup at the start of the season, when FC Hollywood won a classic encounter 5-3.
The hosts were in much better form before the World Cup break, though, and 16/5 for a draw is our RB Leipzig vs Bayern Munich prediction this time.
RB Leipzig Odds
Leipzig were languishing towards the wrong end of the table after winning just two of their first seven Bundesliga fixtures.
However, they then picked up 20 points out of 24 during an eight-match unbeaten run, including four straight victories prior to Qatar 2022.
Marco Rose’s side have secured seven wins and a draw from eight domestic fixtures in front of their own fans, which features a 4-0 cup triumph over Hamburg.
Leipzig also recovered from losing their opening two Champions League games to qualify in second place behind Real Madrid.
Following back-to-back victories versus Celtic, they upset Real 3-2 here before crushing Shakhtar Donetsk 4-0 in Warsaw.
Young defender Josko Gvardiol was one of the stars of the World Cup when representing Croatia, while playmaker Dani Olmo did well for Spain.
Christopher Nkunku’s knee injury is unfortunate, although he may well have been snapped up in a big-money transfer by now without that setback.
RBL have been especially strong late on in Bundesliga games this term, leading 9-1 in terms of goals scored from 75 minutes onwards.
Looking at the 13/10 for the hosts to score last is tempting.
Bayern Munich Odds
Bayern also suffered a few early Bundesliga hiccups, dropping points in four consecutive matches between late August and mid-September.
But that sticky spell was followed by a hot streak of seven wins and a 2-2 draw at Borussia Dortmund in this competition.
FC Hollywood were also the only team to claim maximum points in their Champions League pool, with 18 goals scored and just two conceded.
Brushing aside Barcelona 5-0 on aggregate and beating Inter Milan 2-0 at home and away sent out a real statement of intent.
The World Cup wasn’t kind to Bayern’s Germany internationals, though, and they do have some notable injury issues.
Manuel Neuer broke his leg in a skiing accident, Lucas Hernandez is another long-term absentee after rupturing his cruciate ligament and Sadio Mane missed Qatar 2022 due to a tendon injury.
Julian Nagelsmann has brought in veteran defender Daley Blind on a short-term contract but a move for Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic does not seem likely.
The Bavarians are blessed with great strength in depth but only drew 4-4 with RB Salzburg in a warm-up friendly.
Let’s add 27/20 for both teams to net in the second half.
Additional stats
Player statistic
| 35' |  |
Jamal Musiala | ||
| 37' |  |
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (Assist: Serge Gnabry) | ||
| Xaver Schlager | |
41' | ||
| Marcel Halstenberg (Assist: Dominik Szoboszlai) |
|
52' | ||
| 52' | |
Leon Goretzka | ||
| 66' | |
Dayot Upamecano | ||
| Konrad Laimer | |
71' |
Match statistic
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