RB Leipzig vs Borussia Mönchengladbach preview: Hosts look to regain form
RB Leipzig
Leipzig manager Marco Rose will likely be disappointed with his team’s missed opportunity against a Dortmund squad forced to deploy midfielders Emre Can and Pascal Groß in defensive roles. Despite Dortmund’s defensive adjustments, Leipzig struggled to create clear chances, managing less than 0.5 expected goals (xG) and no big chances, a performance that ultimately made Dortmund’s victory well-deserved.
Adding to Leipzig’s concerns, they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Celtic in the Champions League on Tuesday, marking their fourth consecutive loss in European competition.
Domestically, however, Leipzig have been strong, boasting the Bundesliga’s best defensive record with only five goals conceded. Despite recent setbacks, their league form remains positive; they had won four straight Bundesliga matches before their loss to Dortmund.
Rose’s side has shown resilience, going unbeaten in their last 11 home league games. In their last 19 Bundesliga outings, they’ve recorded 13 wins and six draws, underscoring their consistency on home turf.
Team News
Leipzig will arrive into this week with a significantly altered lineup due to injuries. Key defender Castello Lukeba is sidelined along with David Raum and Lutsharel Geertruida, which means El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Lukas Klostermann, Willi Orban, and Benjamin Henrichs are expected to form the back line.
In midfield, Xaver Schlager’s absence until January is another blow, and Leipzig’s attack will be further impacted by the unavailability of Xavi Simons. Christoph Baumgartner and Antonio Nusa are likely to start on the wings, supporting strikers Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda.
Borussia Mönchengladbach
Gladbach stormed to a commanding 3-0 lead by halftime against Werder Bremen and stretched their advantage to 4-0 before Bremen's Keke Topp netted a consolation goal. This decisive win eased pressure on head coach Gerardo Seoane, whose job security had reportedly come under question. However, after the victory, sporting director Roland Virkus expressed his support for Seoane, which should provide some stability.
Die Fohlen have shown decent attacking prowess with 15 goals scored in nine Bundesliga matches, ranking them as the joint seventh-best offense in the league. On the defensive side, they’ve conceded 14 goals, placing them as the eighth-best defense. Their recent form has been promising, with two wins and a draw in their last three Bundesliga outings, a recovery after losing three of the prior four.
However, away performances have been a concern. They’ve managed just two wins in their last 18 Bundesliga games on the road, suffering 10 losses, which highlights a vulnerability that Leipzig will look to exploit.
Team News
Gladbach also have key absentees, including goalkeeper Jan Olschowsky and defenders Luca Netz and Nico Elvedi. Moritz Nicolas is confirmed to start in goal, with Marvin Friedrich and Ko Itakura expected to anchor the defence.
Yvandro Borges Sanches remains out until December, but forward Robin Hack is likely to be fit enough to participate, providing a boost to the squad’s attacking options.