Leipzig host Bayern as Bundesliga returns

Four points clear on top of the table, Bayern are hoping for a record-extending 11th straight Bundesliga title. Despite brave challenges from Freiburg and Union Berlin, the familiar failings of Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen have left Leipzig as Bayern's most likely challengers for the title.

The match pits Germany's two most in-form sides against each other in what has emerged as perhaps the biggest rivalry in the Bundesliga in recent seasons. Six of the teams' 12 league clashes against each other have come with the sides sitting first and second on the ladder. While Bayern have lost only once in all competitions and are strong favourites for both the title and Friday's clash, RB have lost just twice since local Leipzig lad Marco Rose took over as head coach in September.

The Red Bulls' record at home is even more imposing, with six wins and one draw from seven league matches this season. Bayern have won five, drawn two and lost one of their eight games away from home. Neither side will be at full strength however, with several key players missing. Bayern captain and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and defender Lucas Hernandez both suffered long-term injuries, while forward Sadio Mane will not be back until at least February.

Leipzig captain and goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi is also out long-term, while France forward Christopher Nkunku will not be back in time to face Bayern. Leipzig will however welcome back winger Timo Werner, who missed the World Cup with an ankle injury.

 

January 18, 2023

One to watch: Sebastien Haller (Dortmund)

Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller is likely to make his first competitive appearance for the club at home to Augsburg on Thursday after fighting back from testicular cancer. Haller was diagnosed mere days after signing for Dortmund in the summer of 2022 and spent the rest of the year receiving treatment, including four rounds of chemotherapy and two operations.

After coming on as a late substitute in a friendly against Fortuna Dusseldorf in January, Haller said he wanted to "give the coach no option" but to pick him. He made good on that promise in his next hit out, scoring three goals in eight minutes when subbed on at half-time in a friendly against Basel on Friday, proving that his return to the field was more than just sentimental.

Dortmund re-start the season nine points adrift of league leaders Bayern in sixth place.

Key stats

19 - The number of saves Yann Sommer made for Borussia Moenchengladbach in holding Bayern Munich to a draw in August.

13 - Both RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich are unbeaten in their past 13 matches in all competitions

12 in 15 - Leipzig's Christopher Nkunku scored 12 goals in 15 games this season to top the Bundesliga scoring charts. He will miss Bayern's visit through injury.