RB Leipzig will look to strengthen their case for a top-four finish with a win against bottom-half side Borussia Monchengladbach, who have only lost one out of their last five league outings.
The home team are third on the points table with 53 points in their 28 outings. While they are 20 points behind the leaders Bayern Munich, they do have a lot to play for as they are only three points above fifth-placed Hoffenheim.
With just six games to go, RB Leipzig cannot afford any slip-ups at this stage, as it could complicate their chances of securing a Champions League spot. They are heading into this fixture on the back of consecutive wins over Hoffenheim and Werder Bremen, and will be confident about getting the job done against Monchengladbach.
Meanwhile, the visitors are 13th on the table with 30 points in their 28 outings. They have accumulated eight points in their last five outings and are now five points clear of the relegation play-off spot. While their priority will be to survive in the top flight, they could still push for a top-half finish with six games left.
Following their win over FC Koln, Monchengladbach have played out draws against FC Koln and Heidenheim. They have been putting in some solid performances of late and will certainly not go down without a fight in this fixture. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
The home team will be without the services of their defensive mainstay, Castello Lukeba, because of a groin injury. Apart from him, everyone else should be available for selection.
Leipzig will line up in a 4-3-3 formation, where Peter Gulacsi will be in goal. Ridle Baku and David Raum are expected to be the full-backs, while Willi Orban and El Chadaille Bitshiabu will pair up in the heart of the defence.
In the centre of the park, Xaver Schlager will start alongside Nicolas Seiwald and Christoph Baumgartner. The trio will look to control the tempo and ensure they dominate the proceedings.
Yan Diomande will take charge on the right, while Antonio Nusa will feature on the left. Meanwhile, Romulo will be the one leading the line for them.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Vandevoordt; Baku, Orban, Bitshiabu, Raum; Schlager, Seiwald, Baumgartner; Diomande, Romulo, Nusa
The visitors will be without the services of Tim Kleindienst (knee), Robin Hack (knee), Nathan N’Goumou (ankle) and Kota Takai.
Monchengladbach will line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, where Moritz Nicolas will take charge between the sticks. In the heart of the defence, Philipp Sander will start alongside Nico Elvedi and Kevin Diks.
The trio will have a tough day at the office, and they will receive significant support from Joe Scally and Jens Castrop, who will feature as the wing-backs.
Meanwhile, Rocco Reitz will partner with Yannik Engelhardt in the centre of the park. They will look to create chances for the front three.
Franck Honorat and Kevin Stoger will feature as the two attacking midfielders behind Haris Tabakovic, who will lead the line against Leipzig.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Nicolas; Sander, Elvedi, Diks; Scally, Reitz, Engelhardt, Castrop; Honorat, Stoger; Tabakovic
Diomande has adjusted to life in the Bundesliga without much trouble since joining them from CD Leganes last summer. At just 19, he is enjoying an incredible debut campaign, where he has 11 goals and eight assists in his 30 outings across competitions.
17 of those goal contributions have come in the German top flight, and his incredible performances and massive potential have placed him on the radar of the biggest clubs in Europe. The teenager is aware of the increasing interest, but he remains focused on doing his best for Leipzig.
RB Leipzig will head into this fixture with confidence, given their recent run of form and the urgency to secure a top-four finish. Playing at home, they are expected to take control of the game, dominate possession, and look to create consistent pressure on a Monchengladbach defence that has struggled at times this season.
However, the visitors have been difficult to beat in recent weeks and will look to stay compact while trying to exploit spaces on the counter. While they could frustrate Leipzig for spells, the home side’s attacking quality and momentum should help them edge what is expected to be a closely contested encounter. The Hard Tackle predicts a hard-fought 2-1 win for the home team.
