RB Leipzig’s spot in Europe’s prestigious club competition is secured as they sit in fourth place, three points ahead of Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund in fifth, however the potential of a third place finish will be strong motivation for the fixture at the Red Bull Arena on Saturday afternoon.
Marco Rose’s side have been a formidable force at home this season, losing just two league fixtures this campaign and boast an undefeated record in 36 matches out of the last 42 in front of their supporters.
Werder Bremen come into this tough away fixture unbeaten in their last three matches, including a 2-1 home win against high flying Stuttgart and a 2-2 draw last time out against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
It has not been a favourable venue for Bremen who have lost in each of their last six league visits to Leipzig but Ole Werner’s side will be able to take some confidence from their performance in the reverse fixture where the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in December.
With ‘Die Roten Bullen’ strong home form and a chance to achieve a third place finish on the line, it will be an extremely tough test for ‘Die Werderaner’ to come away with a victory, particularly as their away form has let them down this season.
- Team News
Talented playmaker Xavi Simons will be unavailable for Leipzig after being sent off for two yellow cards last week at Hoffenheim.
Austrian midfielder Xaver Schlager picked up a serious knee injury in the same fixture and will be out until next season. Christopher Lenz also misses out with a calf injury.
There is also a late fitness test needed for Elif Elmas. The North Macedonian midfielder is a doubt with illness.
Amos Pieper has undergone ankle surgery and misses out on Bremen’s trip to Leipzig.
Ole Werner’s side is boosted by the return of Danish midfielder Jens Stage following his suspension, however late fitness tests will be needed for both Jiri Pavlenka who has suffered a calf injury and Justin Njinmah who is suffering from illness.
Naby Keita is still suspended after the midfielder refused to travel to the fixture with Bayer Leverkusen after he learned he would not be starting.
- Likely Lineups
Gulacsi; Henrichs, Orban, Lukeba, Raum; Olmo, Haidara, Seiwald, Baumgartner; Openda, Sesko
Zetterer; Veljkovic, Friedl, Jung; Weiser, Schmid, Lynen, Bittencourt, Agu; Ducksch, Woltemade
- Key Players
RB Leipzig- Benjamin Šeško
When playing at home, Leipzig have been particularly efficient in front of goal, scoring 74 times which places them third across the Bundesliga rankings and a crucial part of this attacking dominance is their young, talented strike force of Benjamin Šeško and Lois Openda.
Šeško has rapidly become one of the most sought after attacking talents in the world and will be subject to heavy interest from top clubs around Europe in the summer transfer window and the Slovenian’s Bundesliga form has shown exactly why there is so much interest.
The 20 year old striker has 14 goal contributions in his debut Bundesliga season despite starting in only half of his 29 appearances this campaign.
Standing at 6 foot 5 inches, Šeško is a unique profile of a striker with shades of Erling Haaland in his speed and agility despite his towering presence. What is perhaps more surprising than his rapid pace, is his technical ability, with the striker comfortable dribbling and striking with both feet.
Šeško will look to continue his fine run of form against Bremen on Saturday as the forward looks to extend his scoring run that has seen him net in each of his last five consecutive games.
Werder Bremen- Marvin Ducksch
Marvin Ducksch has enjoyed a spectacular individual season for ‘Die Werderaner’, with the German striker netting 12 times to go with his eight assists in the Bundesliga, a campaign where he has missed just one game through suspension.
The 30 year old striker has already matched his goal tally from last season and will be hoping to finish the season strongly and ensure a top half finish for Bremen.
Ducksch’s impressive performances this season have caught the attention of German national team manager Julian Nagelsmann who called the striker up for his international debut in November’s friendlies against Austria and Turkey.
The German international has been ever present across the countries football leagues and has hit his prime at a crucial stage for Bremen, with the strikers goals playing a pivotal role in the success they have had this season and although highly unlikely, still has a chance of finishing as high as seventh place this campaign.
- Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The game will take place at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig.
What time is kick off?
The match kicks off at 14:30 (GMT).
How can I watch?
The game is not being televised in the United Kingdom. At full-time, highlights will be available on the Bundesliga website and on the Sky Sports app.