Bayern Munich and Vincent Kompany have been breaking records this season. The current team now has the record of having the best first half of the Bundesliga after clinching a 3-1 win against FC Koln. Bayern are yet to lose a league game this season. They will look to extend this record when they travel to RB Leipzig on matchday 18 of the Bundesliga.
Die Roten came from behind to win against FC Koln in the midweek clash. Kompany’s men have started the Ruckrunde brilliantly by scoring 11 goals across two games. They have been brilliant in the Bundesliga this season, which makes Saturday’s clash a daunting task for RB Leipzig.
Leipzig have struggled for consistency this season, but they have done enough to remain in the top four. They come into Saturday’s game on the back of a 2-0 win against Freiburg, but they started Ruckrunde with a 3-1 defeat at home against Bayer Leverkusen.
Team News
Bayern had endured terrible luck with injuries at the start of Ruckrunde. Josip Stanisic was ruled out until February after suffering an injury against Wolfsburg. Konrad Laimer joined the Croatian defender on the sidelines after getting injured against Koln. The Austrian is expected to be out for 3-4 weeks.
However, there is some positive team news in the build-up to the game against RB Leipzig. Joshua Kimmich and Alphonso Davies will be back in the squad after recovering from ankle injury and illness, respectively. Jamal Musiala will also return to the squad on Saturday for the first time since suffering a serious injury in June. Sacha Boey remains on the sidelines due to illness, while Nicolas Jackson is not available for selection due to the AFCON.
Predicted Starting XI
Manuel Neuer made some crucial saves against FC Koln when the game was in balance. The veteran German goalkeeper will look to go one step ahead and get the first clean sheet of 2026 on Saturday.
Despite a strong performance from Kim Min-jae against FC Koln, Vincent Kompany will stick with his first-choice centre-back pairing of Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano for the big game against RB Leipzig. Alphonso Davies will start in the left-back position, while Raphael Guerreiro may play on the right side of the back four since all other right-backs are injured.
Joshua Kimmich will return to the midfield pivot for Bayern. The German midfielder will most likely play alongside Aleksandar Pavlovic in the centre of the park.
The attack picks itself even though all forwards are in fine form. After getting rested in the midweek game, Lennart Karl will start in the number ten position behind Harry Kane. Michael Olise and Luis Diaz will slot on the right and left wing, respectively.
Predicted Starting XI: Neuer; Davies, Upamecano, Tah, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Diaz, Karl, Olise; Kane
Score Prediction
RB Leipzig 1-3 Bayern Munich
Considering the inconsistent form of RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich are heavy favourites for Saturday’s game. The Bavarian club has struggled to keep clean sheets in the last two games, so Leipzig certainly have a chance of getting on the scoresheet.