The UEFA Champions League group stage concludes this week, with RB Leipzig set to host Swiss club Young Boys at the Red Bull Arena Leipzig on Wednesday, December 13. This will be a dead rubber fixture as far as the group standings are concerned, with Leipzig already through to the knockout stages while Young Boys have no chance of progression. However, both teams will be eager to end their Champions League group stage campaigns on a winning note.
Match Preview
Bundesliga club RB Leipzig has impressed in Group G, currently sitting second in the standings with 9 points from five games. A 3-2 defeat away to reigning champions Manchester City last time out denied them top spot, but progression to the last 16 was already assured.
Leipzig squandered a two-goal lead in the second half of that game after Belgian forward Loïs Openda had put them ahead with an early brace. That loss aside, coach Marco Rose has overseen an upturn in domestic form since taking charge, with Leipzig now up to fourth place in the Bundesliga after an excellent 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
As for Young Boys, they registered their first Champions League victory of the campaign last time out, beating Red Star Belgrade 2-0 at home. An early own goal was added to by midfielder Lewin Blum, giving the Swiss champions a first win in Group G after three defeats and a draw in their opening four games.
That result leaves Young Boys third in the standings on 4 points, unable to finish higher but already guaranteed at least Europa League qualification after the winter break. Domestically, they have been in great form, winning their last three Super League games while scoring 11 goals without reply to hold a four-point lead at the top.
This will be the second meeting between Leipzig and Young Boys in the Champions League group stage. Back in September, the German side claimed a 3-1 away win in the reverse fixture thanks to goals from Christopher Nkunku, Timo Werner and Emil Forsberg.
Team News
RB Leipzig has several injury concerns ahead of this game. Promising young center back El Chadaille Bitshiabu is ruled out with a knee problem, while star striker Timo Werner also missed the weekend win over Dortmund. His availability here remains doubtful.
Fortunately, Leipzig has strength in depth to cope with those absences. Summer signing Christoph Baumgartner has settled in seamlessly since his arrival from Hoffenheim, grabbing the equalizer against Dortmund. Veteran forward Yussuf Poulsen was also on target in that game as Leipzig’s squad depth shone through.
As for Young Boys, they have fewer injury worries. Central defender Fabian Lustenberger is ruled out but otherwise coach Raphael Wicky has a full squad to choose from as he plots an unlikely upset. Attacking midfielder Vincent Sierro and Turkish forward Kedus Abdullahi were both on target last time out and will pose the main threats.
Prediction
On home soil, RB Leipzig’s superior quality and squad depth should prove telling despite Young Boys’ recent improvement. Leipzig is unbeaten in its last four home matches across all competitions, scoring 14 goals in that run and conceding just three times.
Young Boys have won three of their last four games but their away form has been far less impressive. They have won just one of their last 14 Champions League away trips, suggesting another defeat could be on the cards.
An early goal for the hosts could open the floodgates, especially with Young Boys needing to chase the game. However, expect a tighter contest than the reverse fixture. Leipzig to edge a high-scoring contest 3-2 thanks to goals from Christopher Nkunku, Konrad Laimer and Loïs Openda.
Betting Tips
Based on current form and the superior quality in Leipzig’s ranks, the following betting tips have potential value:
- Tip 1: RB Leipzig to win – The hosts have far greater strength in depth and home advantage on their side. Their recent home scoring record also bodes well.
- Tip 2: Over 2.5 goals to be scored – Leipzig’s last four home games have all seen over 2.5 goals, while both teams have been scoring freely of late. Expect an open, entertaining contest.
- Tip 3: A goal to be scored in the second half – Leipzig has scored crucial second half goals in each of their last two games. With Young Boys needing to chase the game, the hosts can exploit spaces late on.
- Tip 4: Loïs Openda to score or assist any time – The Belgian starlet announced himself in the reverse fixture. If he starts here, expect the in-form forward to contribute in front of goal.
In summary, back hosts Leipzig to claim a fourth straight home win against spirited opposition in Young Boys. An open game with goals at both ends will give bettors plenty to cheer in this dead rubber Champions League clash.
