RB Leipzig returns to domestic action after their European showdown as they take on a struggling Borussia Monchengladbach side.
Marco Rose was essentially proud of his team’s performance against the gigantic figure of Real Madrid. While the Spanish side managed to take the win in their first leg Champions League round of 16 clash, the game had its share of controversy.
Leipzig was denied a clear goal, with VAR chalking it off for a potential offside by Benjamin Sesko, with many doubting the decision. In any case, Leipzig is in a manageable position in the tie, as they could revive their chances of progressing with a noteworthy performance in Madrid.
Nothing decided yet. We won’t give up! #UCL pic.twitter.com/zzY4BsOExc
— Dani Olmo (@daniolmo7) February 14, 2024
Rose would now concentrate on the team’s league campaign, as they have a top-four race to contend, sitting three points behind Borussia Dortmund. Last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Augsburg has hurt their chances in the race for Champions League places.
Meanwhile, Borussia Monchengladbach needs help to stay relevant in the Bundesliga, as they are languishing in 13th place and much closer to the relegation zone. Gladbach are on a dreadful run of one win in eight games, but they have shown promising signs of late.
They would need a solid run between now and the end of the campaign to put up a concerted fight to get closer to a European place. Yet, their main objective right now would be to avoid slipping further closer to the relegation battle than anything.
Team News & Tactics
RB Leipzig
Rose will likely persist with the 4-4-2 shape that has worked out in recent times. In terms of injuries, there isn’t much to report, with Amadou Haidara’s knee injury still unclear as to how long it would keep the midfielder out.
Flicks from #RBLBMG that go hard 📸🔥 pic.twitter.com/wkayB6O2Jj
— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) February 15, 2024
Benjamin Henrichs played in midfield during midweek, while Mohammed Simakan replaced Kevin Kampl at right back. Henrichs will likely return to the full-back spot, with Kampl moving into the midfield.
Rose will likely play that advanced iteration of the 4-4-2, with Xavi Simons and Dani Olmo, the advanced players behind the front two. That would be the partnership between Lois Openda and Benjamin Sesko, as Leipzig will rely on the duo for goals.
Lukas Klostermann and Will Orban will marshall the central defensive positions, with David Raum featuring at left back. In midfield, Kampl will have Xaver Schlager for company, as Leipzig will target a win over Monchengladbach to stay close to the top four.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2) – Gulasci; Henrichs, Orban, Klostermann, Raum; Olmo, Kampl, Schlager, Simons; Openda, Sesko
Borussia Monchengladbach
Much like Leipzig, Monchengladbach does have only a few injury-related concerns, with Jonas Omlin ruled out with a shoulder problem, while Tomas Cvancara is set to miss with ligament damage.
On the road to fitness 🚗 pic.twitter.com/WWSwhRkq6w
— Gladbach (@borussia_en) February 15, 2024
Manager Torsten Lieberknecht could ditch the back three for a four-person unit there, with three midfielders ahead of those. He will keep Ko Ikatura and Nicolas Elvidi in that central partnership, while Joe Scally and Luca Netz set to feature in full-back roles.
Manu Kone will form part of the midfield three alongside Roco Reitz and Julian Weigl, with the latter set to sit at the base. Robin Hack and Franck Hanorat will play that advanced role behind striker Jordan Siebatcheu, who will spearhead the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-3-2-1) – Nicolas; Scally, Elvedi, Ikatura, Netz; Reitz, Weigl, Kone; Hack, Hanorat; Siebatcheu
Key Stats
- RB Leipzig have scored at least 3 goals in their last 3 home matches against Borussia M.Gladbach in all competitions.
- RB Leipzig have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 4 home matches against Borussia M.Gladbach in all competitions.
- RB Leipzig have won their last 3 home matches against Borussia M.Gladbach in all competitions.
- Gladbach have dropped the most points after taking the lead this season, a massive 23 points.
- Gladbach have managed only one win in 8 games.
Player to Watch
Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Šeško vs Augsburgpic.twitter.com/lWHvlHf7Hh
— ً🎬 (@AtomicCFC) February 12, 2024
It’s been an indifferent season for the striker, who came to L: Leipzig with a big reputation to protect. However, his start at his new club could have been better, but slowly, the forward is coming into the big picture for Leipzig.
Sesko can now come into the main zone and make a big difference for Leipzig, with still much more to play for in this season. They still have a Champions League second leg to contest as well as a top-four place, meaning Sesko can still make a huge difference.
Prediction
RB Leipzig 3-1 Borussia Monchengladbach
The fifth-placed Bundesliga side is now firmly in the race for a top-four place, although they still have plenty of competition for the position. Hence, wins over teams like Monchengladbach are seen as imperative to stand any chance of catching Dortmund in the race, and they might trump on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Monchengladbach has been putting in good performances, although they need something to show in terms of results. However, the contest on Saturday will be seen as a tough test, although it’s difficult to see them getting anything against Leipzig.
