Leipzig is back on the title race again. They had an easy win last weekend, which certainly gives them the confidence boost to secure Champions League spot and if possible, chase Bayern and Dortmund. This weekend, Julian Nagelsmann’s men will be facing off Hertha Berlin, which have been impressive too since Bundesliga resumed. It will be a tight clash with the possibility of a goal galore.
Both teams’ previous matches
Leipzig’s winless run finally ended last weekend. They smashed Mainz in the away fixture by five goals to nil. Timo Werner was able to end his goal drought too by bagging a hattrick. The other two goals were scored by Yussuf Poulsen and the Austrian international, Marcel Sabitzer.
Their counterpart also endured their positive trend in the Berlin derby last weekend. Hertha hammered his local rival, Union 4-0. Vedad Ibisevic was the man of the match with a goal and an assists in this game. Dude Lukebakio, Matheus Cunha and Derdyck Boyata also put their names on the score sheet.
Possible tactics
Julian Nagelsmann seems to find the proper formation now. His 4-4-2 can be solid and fluid when necessary. It can transform to 4-2-2-2 with Christopher Nkunku, Dani Olmo or Emile Forsberg and Angelino are pushed forward to provide either long cross or through ball for the duo frontmen, Timo Werner and the Danish international Yussuf Poulsen.
Bruno Labbadia’s preference is quite similar to their opponent. His 4-4-2 formation can transform to 4-2-3-1. He relies on Vedad Ibisevic as a targetman accompanied by Matheus Cunha who has the ability to cut inside the penalty box. On both flanks, Maximillian Mittelstadt and Dude Lukebakio will be endlessly providing long cross for the frontman. Vladimir Darida can be brought on to add creativity in breaking the deadlock if necessary.
Players to watch
Leipzig’s top performers are surely the forward Timo Werner who has bagged 24 goals and provided seven assists, the top assists provider Christopher Nkunku with twelve assists so far and the versatile Marcel Sabitzer with his nine goals and six assists in Bundesliga.
In Labbadia’s era, Hertha counts on the senior and experienced figures to support the youngster. Vedad Ibisevic and Rune Jarstein, who was rarely picked in the line up in Klinsmann or the caretaker Alexander Nouri, might be one example. Some other possible key men are the Serbian Milan Grujic, the Danish Per Skjelbred and the young Brasilian who has netted four goals, Cunha.
Leipzig vs Hertha Prediction
Timor Werner and Co’s consistency will be challenged by the visitor’s side. Hertha has been outstanding since Bundesliga resumed and the arrival of Bruno Labbadia in command. They have had clean sheets in the last two games. Considering both teams’ tendency on employing offensive tactical approach, the game is expected to have more goals from both sides. However, the lady luck might be taking side on the host eventually.
Betting odds
Julian Nagelsmann’s men are still regarded as the clear favourite. They are projected to win higher at 1.35 than Hertha whose win market is much lower at 7.85. The odds for the draw result are at 5.20.
