RB Leipzig – Leverkusen

In Leipzig, the home team will be closer to defeating their opponent.

The centerpiece of the upcoming Bundesliga matchday will take place at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig. The local club, after last season, for the first time since arriving in Germany's top flight, missed out on European competitions. However, in this Bundesliga season this is the main advantage of the Bulls over their rivals. Ole Werner's charges, who took over the team in the off-season, have the opportunity to calmly prepare for each upcoming round of the championship, without being distracted by long flights and acclimatization, and without increasing injury risk. Bayer, two seasons ago, became German champions. When the trophy returned to Munich in the previous Bundesliga season, the Leverkusen club's leadership decided that without a rebuild this team would not go far. However, at first glance the pharmaceuticals have somewhat overdone the changes. From the team to Real Madrid left Xabi Alonso, and the best players dispersed, led by Florian Wirtz. After multiple managerial reshuffles at the start of the season, Bayer did still play decent football, but they rarely perform above their level. The pharmaceuticals lack stability, which is often offset by diligence and a drive for results. Will this be enough in Leipzig? Bookmakers have identified the home side as the favourites for the upcoming clash, offering odds of 2.07 on their victory. On their home ground, Leipzig's players will take the field as the Bundesliga's second-placed side. At the same time, the league situation should rule out any complacency among Werner's men. First, they have as many points as Borussia Dortmund. Second, Bayer and Hoffenheim are only three points behind. Third, the Bulls were given a wake-up call in the last round by Union Berlin, who beat them in the capital 3-1. That defeat was Leipzig's third of the current season. Importantly, Werner's team has not lost at their home venue. From the hosts' perspective, Bayer's strengths are quite obvious. Grimaldo's set-piece routines should be at the Bulls' forefront. Otherwise, the pharmaceuticals often win, but defeats like the one to Augsburg two weeks ago well illustrate the current state of Julmann's team. Leipzig will be closer to victory on their home ground.