Preview for Bayern Munich v RB Leipzig
Bayern Munich open the defence of their Bundesliga crown tomorrow when RB Leipzig visit the Allianz Arena.
Vincent Kompany helped Bayern to the title in his first season in charge in 2024/25 and it seems an inevitability that they will dominate the league once again.
Their closest rivals, Bayer Leverkusen, have lost the likes of Florian Wirtz, Jonathan Tah and Granit Xhaka while Borussia Dortmund have done little this summer to suggest they will mount a serious challenge.
Leipzig, themselves, have also seen Benjamin Šeško depart with Xavi Simons seemingly set to join the Slovenian in the Premier League.
In a recent poll of the other 17 Bundesliga coaches, every single one tipped Bayern to win the league.
It may be Kompany has to find other ways to motivate his squad outside of the Champions League and has reiterated his players will have to show plenty of desire if they want to compete both domestically and in Europe.
He said: “You always want to set the bar a little higher, that will always be the case. We are champions, so it’s okay that we are favourites. But that won’t win you the game tomorrow. The important thing is that we have the hunger, as if we were winning for the first time.”
Bayern warmed up for the new league season by winning the Super Cup last weekend, seeing off Stuttgart 2-1 thanks to goals from Harry Kane and new signing Luis Diaz.
Diaz’s arrival partially offsets the departures of Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sane while Jamal Musiala is sidelined for a lengthy period after sustaining a broken leg and dislocated ankle in the Club World Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
Bayern have otherwise been quiet but Kompany insisted he was happy with his squad.
“The most important game so far was against Stuttgart. We took a step in the right direction there,” he added. “We have to win tomorrow’s game too, then we can say we’ve made a good start. It’s true that pre-season has not been ideal. But then you have to be mentally prepared. What we’ve shown so far is that we’re absolutely ready to fight. We want to draw strength from this phase too.”
The summer has been more frantic in Leipzig with several new signings, although many are untested in the German top flight. They also have a new man in charge in Ole Werner, who succeeded Marco Rose.
Kompany said: “There’s greater variety. They have a new coach and quite a new structure. They’ve signed some talented players and have a strong squad.
“Last season didn’t go too well but Leipzig are certainly among our rivals. We have to take the game very seriously. They have wingers who are good in one-on-one situations and players like Xavi Simons in the number 10 role. They’re strong going forward. But we’re at the Allianz Arena and are aiming to put in a good performance for the fans.”
It is a tough opening assignment for the visitors but new captain David Raum is eager to use it as a gauge.
He said: “For us, this is a good measure to see where we stand. We come into it on the back of a mixed season. It’s important how you present yourself in such a game. Of course, the result counts, but it is also important for your own feeling.”
Team News for Bayern Munich v RB Leipzig
Bayern will have the same squad that beat Stuttgart, bar Tom Bischof who has undergone surgery to remove his appendix.
Tidiam Gomis and Andrija Maksimovic have rejoined training but it is not known if they will be available for Leipzig.
Benjamin Henrichs remains sidelined as he continues his comeback from a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Predicted line-ups for Bayern Munich v RB Leipzig
Bayern Munich: Neuer; Lahmer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic; Kimmich, Goretzka, Gnabry, Olise, Diaz; Kane
RB Leipzig: Vandevoort; Baku, Orban, Lukeba, Raum; Seiwald, Schlager, Simons, Diomande, Nusa; Openda
How to watch Bayern Munich v RB Leipzig: TV and online streams
Bayern Munich v RB Leipzig kicks off tomorrow night at 7.30pm. You can watch it on the BBC website and iPlayer.
It is also available on the bet365 app.
Odds and Tips for the big game
- In 17 of the last 19 Bayern Munich home matches the total number of goals was over 2.5
- Bayern Munich have won 13 of the last 15 home matches in the Bundesliga while scoring more than 1.5 goals
- In 10 of the last 12 RB Leipzig matches the total number of goals was over 2.5
Prediction for Bayern Munich v RB Leipzig
Bayern may be a little short in attacking areas but they still boast a formidable team on paper.
It’s impossible to see Leipzig emerging with anything here.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-0 RB Leipzig
