Bundesliga 2022-23: Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The defending champions are aiming for four consecutive wins as they host Die Roten Bullen in Munich on Saturday, Matchday 32 in the Bundesliga.

Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich stamped their authority last week when they put Schalke to the sword with a resounding 6-0 win at the Allianz, in Munich. This weekend presents the final major hurdle in the form of third-placed RB Leipzig who'll be traveling to Bavaria to be party poopers in their record 11th Bundesliga title aspirations.

Although Thomas Tuchel's side have been buoyed by their recent form, winning three on the bounce, including last week's thumping of Schalke. The former Chelsea boss seems to have found a consistent winning formula and their final home game of the season allows them to keep their destiny in their own hands, where a win in the last two weeks, virtually confirms them as Champions. 

RB Leipzig is on a decent four-game winning streak in all competitions, including a 1- 5 away win at Freiburg, allowing them to recapture some of their post-World Cup form from January which had catapulted them to a near-title challenge. However, their Champions League exit at the hands of Manchester City took away their confidence and momentum, where they lost three matches on the bounce including a demoralizing 1-0 loss to lowly VFL Bochum and a 0-3 loss to Mainz.

That took away any more hopes of a Bundesliga challenge, however, what turned out to be their season savior was their DFB Cup title defense. A 2-0 home win over Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-final sparked a run of seven wins, including reaching the DFB Cup final in consecutive seasons, and the only loss coming at the hands of Leverkusen on Matchday 29. The fixture against Bayern presents them with the perfect opportunity to knockout off their rival's Bundesliga defence aspirations and with only two more matches left, solidify their Champions League spot and as well as retain the DFB Cup. 

Kick-off: 

Saturday, 20th May 2023, 04:30 pm (GMT)

Saturday, 20th May 2023, 10:00 pm (IST),

Bayern Munich form (all competitions): W-W-W-L-D

RB Leipzig form (all competitions): W-W-W-W-L

Players to watch out for

Bayern Munich: Joshua Kimmich

The Bayern captain has been the most important piece in the Bayern Munich rejuvenation under Thomas Tuchel. The German International has been at his influential and creative best with the most chances created for his team during this period where they've won three matches in a row. He has three goal involvements in the last three Bundesliga victories including a brace of assists against Hertha and a goal against Schalke last matchday.

He's been given a free role from his previous defensive midfield role, as Thomas Tuchel wants him as the team's chief creator moving forward. He'll have to be at his influential best yet again against Leipzig again to give his side an edge this weekend.

RB Leipzig: Dominik Sbozosolai

The attacking midfielder from Hungary has been the most creative midfielder for his RB Leipzig, who've looked at him to unlock difficult oppositions with deep defensive blocks in the Bundesliga. He's created the team's highest 14 big chances, 8.5 expected assists(xA), while also being involved in 16 goal contributions (G+A), which is second only to Nkunku.

The return of Spanish attacker Dani Olmo has also eased the sole creative burden on him and ensured Leipzig can go on their current winning run. Considered somewhat of a big game player, he'll be the one to exploit the weakness in the wide areas and create chances for his team during counter-attacking opportunities against Bayern this weekend,

Match Facts

Bayern haven’t lost to RB Leipzig in their last eleven meetings, winning six and drawing five.

Leipzig have won only one of 16 competitive meetings with Bayern (2-1 at home in 2017/18), drawing six and losing nine.

Head to Head

Matches: 19

Bayern Munich wins: 13

Leipzig wins: 1

Draws: 5

Team & Injury News

Bayern Munich will be without full-back Davies (thigh), centre-back Hernandez (knee), club captain & goalkeeper Neuer (broken leg), as well as full-back Stanisic (muscular).

The visitors will be without first choice goalkeeper Gulasci who's out for the season. No other major injury concerns for RB.

Predicted Lineups

Bayern Munich predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Sommer - Mazraoui, Pavard, de Ligt, Cancelo - Kimmich, Goretzka - Sane, Müller (c), Musiala - Gnabry

RB Leipzig predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Blaswich - Simakan, Orban (c), Gvardiol, Henrichs - Szoboszlai, Laimer, Haidara, Forsberg - Nkunku, Werner

Match Prediction for Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig

Bayern Munich have the know-how to win pressure matches in the Bundesliga and historically have rarely put a foot wrong in the situation they find themselves in. Needing two wins in two matches to ensure no more hiccups to their final title-winning objective, RB Leipzig at home will prove to be the sternest test in the last month or so for Thomas Tuchel, since pulling off a 4-2 win over Dortmund on his Bayern coaching debut. Their unbeaten run against the Leipzig should continue, and the fixture being at home will be the crucial factor in ensuring another crucial win.

Prediction: Bayern Munich 3 – 1 RB Leipzig

Telecast

India – SonyLIV app, Jio TV & Sony Ten Network

USA – ESPN+, FuboTV

UK – Sky Sports

Nigeria – Canal+ Sport, SportyTV