RB Leipzig vs SC Paderborn: Bundesliga Match Prediction and Preview

RB Leipzig’s 4-2 win over Koln on Monday extended their unbeaten run in Bundesliga to ten matches, losing only once since October. 

Julian Nagelsmann’s players have been very consistent and try trying their best to catch the league leaders Bayern Munich, who are successfully on their way to clinching the title again.

Bundesliga Record

A total of ten draws has created some doubts and been a prime reason for the frustration among the Leipzig players and has certainly halted their chance to get higher up the table but they will be looking forward to Saturday’s game against league’s bottom side.

Paderborn have a huge task this weekend. They recently enjoyed back-to-back promotions from Germany’s third tier to the top flight but there are doubts that the club is in a very struggling phase at the moment.

After a 6-1 upset by Borussia Dortmund last weekend, the players are not in the mental state they should be in. A total of only 19 points till now has left them very low in the table, eight points off the 16th placed Fortuna Dusseldorf.

Head to Head Stats

RB Leipzig and Paderborn have only played a total of four times, with Leipzig always coming on top. However, the newly-promoted side did well the last time the sides played each other.

In November, Paderborn trailed by three goals in the first 26 minutes of the game at home to Die Roten Bullen but went to score two in the final half of the game, marginally losing to Nagelsmann’s team.

Recent Form

As mentioned above, Leipzig are on an unbeaten run of ten games. Conversely, Paderborn have not managed to win a game since January and their latest game was a disaster against Dortmund. Paderborn still need eight points for safety out of the five games left.

In all competitions, Leipzig have won three and drawn two in their last five games while Paderborn have drawn three and lost two in their last five games in all competitions.

Team News 

Leipzig have been lucky, picking up no fresh injuries. Timo Werner, who is almost a part of the Blues at Stamford Bridge, is expected to keep Patrik Schick in company in the final third. Dani Olmo’s impressive display last time out will probably assure his presence in the starting XI this time out.

However, the home side will be without Kevin Kampl, Yussuf Poulsen, Ethan Ampadu and Fabrice Hartmann. 

As for Paderborn, Jamilu Collins will be forced out due to suspension. Laurent Jans could take his spot, while it is expected that manager Steffen Baumgart may reshuffle his squad. Luca Kilian is still out with a thigh injury.

Key Battles

Timo Werner vs Sebastian Schonlau

With 32 goals and assists in just 25 matches, Timo Werner has been very clear with his motives this season.

As rumored, the German may be on his way to Stamford for the next season but as things stand, the forward will be causing problems for the struggling Paderborn backline. 

After a disappointing performance against Dormund at home, Paderborn will be trying to atleast manage a point out of the game. Sebastian Schonlau, known for his robust clearances, is the closest chance to stop Werner, who has been on a scoring spree since Bundesliga has resumed. 

Last game proved that if needed, Schonlau can score a goal too. Thus, it will be an interesting head to head between these two.

Dayot Upamecano vs Streli Mamba

Being very strong aerially, Upamecano has been one of the most underrated centre backs this season. With RB Leipzig's firepower the defender needs to focus only on his defending. He has been gaining a lot of appreciation with his interceptions and strong clearances. 

Attracting big clubs like Barcelona and Manchester City, who are currently dying for a central defender, the 21-year-old is turning out to be an impressive option and someone the teams can count on. 

Streli Mamba has been one of the few bright spots in the Paderborn squad. He has scored five and assisted two and can cause problems if played the right balls. A fit forward hungry to score and getting his team out of the relegation battle, these reasons are enough to put pressure on the Leipzig backline and get something out of the game in their favor.

Prediction

It won’t be a very different weekend. RB Leipzig will probably again emerge out with the three points, increasing the trouble for their opponents. Werner’s performance will be a difference between a thrashing and a narrow defeat for Paderborn 

Paderborn, unfortunately, will be moving closer to the relegation zone and will have a tough time finding a way out.

Predicted scoreline: RB Leipzig 4-1 SC Paderborn