RB Leipzig will aim to get over their loss to Liverpool by aiming to go top of the Bundesliga standings on Saturday afternoon.
Leipzig’s midweek Champions League clash ended in disappointment, as Marco Rose’s side fell 1-0 to Liverpool. Despite putting in a strong performance, particularly in the beginning and closing stages of the match, Die Roten Bullen were unable to take anything from the game and remain winless in their first three European fixtures.
This leaves Leipzig in a precarious position in Europe, but they will be keen to bounce back domestically, where their form has been far more convincing. In the Bundesliga, Leipzig have demonstrated a solid defensive structure, conceding just two goals in their opening seven games – the best defensive record in the top flight.
On October 19, Rose’s men secured an impressive 2-0 victory over FSV Mainz 05, controlling the match with a dominant display. Despite scoring only 11 league goals so far, they have shown an ability to capitalize on chances and keep opposing attacks at bay.
Leipzig’s last five games have seen mixed results, throwing up three wins and two losses. However, the key to their success has been their home form. Although they recently lost two home games, they remain unbeaten in their last ten Bundesliga fixtures at the Red Bull Arena, winning seven times. Marco Rose will be eager to see his side extend that run against a tough Freiburg outfit.
Freiburg enter Saturday’s match on the back of a comfortable 3-1 victory over Augsburg. Julian Schuster’s men took a commanding 3-0 lead in the first half, demonstrating their efficiency in front of goal. Although Augsburg created two big chances in that match, Freiburg’s ability to limit their opponents to only four shots inside the box was a key factor in their victory.
Schuster has seen his side equal the club’s best-ever start to a Bundesliga season, collecting 15 points from their first seven matches. Freiburg have won four of their last five league fixtures, showcasing a balanced approach with nine goals scored and five conceded in that period.
Notably, Freiburg have been strong on their travels, winning their last two away league games without conceding a goal. However, it is worth noting that prior to this run, they had struggled on the road, suffering two losses and a draw in their previous three away fixtures. They will need to be at their best to overcome a Leipzig side that rarely drops points at home. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the night.
Team News & Tactics
RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig head into their clash with Freiburg with a number of injury concerns. Midfielder Xaver Schlager and left-back David Raum remain long-term absentees, with expected returns only scheduled for January 2025 and December 2024, respectively. Assan Ouedraogo and Nicolas Seiwald are also out until next month, limiting Marco Rose’s options in midfield. Additionally, the versatile Xavi Simons, who was forced off during their midweek match against Liverpool due to an injury, could be sidelined until mid-November.
With these absences, Leipzig may opt for a back four featuring Benjamin Henrichs at right-back, Castello Lukeba and Willi Orban forming the central defensive partnership, and Lutsharel Geertruida taking the left-back position. In the absence of Simons, Christoph Baumgartner could slot into the starting lineup in a wide midfield role, as Rose potentially sets up his side in a 4-4-2 formation.
In this configuration, Péter Gulacsi would start in goal, with Benjamin Henrichs and Lutsharel Geertruida occupying the right and left-back roles, respectively. The central defensive duo of Willi Orban and Castello Lukeba would provide stability at the heart of Leipzig’s defence.
Amadou Haidara and Kevin Kampl would anchor the midfield, while Antonio Nusa and Christoph Baumgartner are likely to play in wide positions. Up front, the attacking partnership could consist of Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda, giving Leipzig a potent threat to unlock Freiburg’s defence.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Gulacsi; Henrichs, Castello, Orban, Geertruida; Haidara, Kampl, Nusa, Baumgartner; Sesko, Openda
SC Freiburg
Freiburg will travel to Leipzig with a few injury concerns in their squad. Central defender Kenneth Schmidt is expected to be sidelined until the middle of November, and while Manuel Gulde is nearing a return, he remains unlikely to feature before early next month. Additionally, the visitors will be without the services of midfielders Daniel-Kofi Kyereh and Merlin Rohl, leaving head coach Julian Schuster with limited options in the centre of the park.
With these key absentees, Freiburg are expected to field a 4-2-3-1 formation. Matthias Ginter and Philipp Lienhart should form the central defensive partnership, flanked by right-back Lukas Kübler and captain Christian Gunter on the left. In midfield, the double pivot is likely to consist of Maximilian Eggestein and Patrick Osterhage, given the unavailability of Kyereh and Röhl.
In attack, Chukwubuike Adamu could lead the line as the sole striker, supported by a trio of Roland Sallai or Ritsu Doan on the right wing, Eren Dinkçi in the number 10 role, and Vincenzo Grifo providing creativity from the left flank. Noah Atubolu will start in goal, as he continues to deputise this season.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Atubolu; Kubler, Ginter, Lienhart, Gunter; Osterhage, Eggestein; Doan, Dinkci, Grifo; Adamu
Key Stats
- RB Leipzig are unbeaten in their last 11 competitive games against SC Freiburg (W7 D4). Freiburg last defeated Leipzig exactly five years ago on 26th October 2019, under Julian Nagelsmann’s management. This is Freiburg’s longest ongoing winless run against any current top-flight side.
- RB Leipzig are unbeaten in all nine of their competitive home games against SC Freiburg (W6, D3). Freiburg have never faced any other side as frequently away from home without ever winning.
- With 17 points after seven games, this is RB Leipzig’s best-ever start at this stage of a Bundesliga season. It’s only the second time Leipzig have remained unbeaten after seven matchdays, matching their maiden top-flight campaign in 2016/17.
- RB Leipzig are unbeaten in their last 18 Bundesliga games (W12, D6), extending their club record. Their most recent league defeat came on 24th February at FC Bayern (2-1).
- SC Freiburg have won five of their seven Bundesliga games this season (D2), marking their highest number of wins at this stage of a top-flight campaign. They have also never accumulated more than 15 points after seven games, equaling their record from 2021/22.
Player to Watch
Lois Openda
Openda has been a key figure for RB Leipzig, showcasing his skill and eye for goal. The Belgian forward’s quick pace, sharp movements, and clinical finishing have made him a constant threat to opposition defences. His ability to make well-timed runs behind the defence complements Leipzig’s counter-attacking style perfectly.
In Leipzig’s recent UEFA Champions League encounter against Liverpool, Openda found the back of the net twice, only to be denied both times by the offside flag. Despite the frustration of having two goals ruled out, his positioning and execution highlighted his attacking instincts and goal-scoring potential.
Considering Freiburg’s strong defensive organisation, Leipzig will look to Openda’s dynamism and hunger for goals to break the deadlock and make an impact on the game. Keep an eye on Openda as he aims to add to his tally and help Leipzig maintain their impressive start to the Bundesliga season.
Prediction
RB Leipzig 1-0 SC Freiburg
This encounter promises to be an evenly contested affair, with both teams in strong form and looking to solidify their positions at the top of the table. Leipzig’s defensive solidity at home and Freiburg’s recent away resilience suggest a tight match.
A draw is a plausible outcome, but Leipzig’s home advantage could be the deciding factor, edging them towards a narrow victory. The Hard Tackle predicts a 1-0 win for Marco Rose and his charges.