Preview: Wolfsburg vs. RB Leipzig - prediction, team news, lineups

Leipzig were beaten by Union Berlin last weekend, while the Wolves were held by Schalke 04.

Match preview

Having amassed a six match winning streak in the Bundesliga either side of the World Cup break, Wolfsburg have since failed to win any of their last four matches in all competitions.

Their dreams of winning a second DFB-Pokal in the club's history were ended by Union Berlin at the last-16 stage, with league defeats to Werder Bremen and Bayern Munich sandwiching their cup exit.

Niko Kovac's side did at least put an end to their losing run by claiming a point away to Schalke last Friday, with the Bundesliga's bottom-ranked team drawing 0-0 for the third consecutive match in another low key encounter.

In truth, the Wolves were arguably fortunate to return from Gelsenkirchen with a point having seen the hosts fire in 20 shots and enjoy more possession throughout the encounter. Kovac will be more than aware that his side will require a superior performance in order to avoid defeat against Leipzig this weekend.

That said, Leipzig were ousted from the Bundesliga's top four last weekend after surrendering a 1-0 lead against their Champions League qualification rivals Union Berlin at the Red Bull Arena.

Benjamin Henrichs had provided the hosts with a dream start by opening the scoring after 24 minutes, but second half strikes from Janik Haberer and Robin Knoche turned the match on its head as Leipzig fell seven points behind league leaders Bayern.

The defeat also brought an end to Die Roten Bullen's remarkable 18-match unbeaten run under Marco Rose, who had not lost in charge of Leipzig since suffering a 3-0 defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach in mid-September.

Having also failed to win in their previous game away to FC Koln, the 46-year-old will be hoping to see his side return to their best against Wolfsburg, especially ahead of hosting Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Wolfsburg Bundesliga form:

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D

Wolfsburg form (all competitions):

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D

RB Leipzig Bundesliga form:

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D

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RB Leipzig form (all competitions):

D

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Team News

Wolfsburg appear to be in the enviable position of having no injury or suspension concerns ahead of facing Leipzig, with Kovac likely to pick the same starting XI which drew at Schalke.

Lukas Nmecha was not utilised from the bench despite the scoreline remaining goalless at Veltins Arena, indicating that the club are being patient before fully throwing the Germany striker back into action after he missed out on featuring for his country at the World Cup due to a serious knee injury.

Leipzig, meanwhile, will remain without Abdou Diallo, Peter Gulasci and Dani Olmo, but Christopher Nkunku could return to their matchday squad after recovering from a knee injury.

Nagelsmann is likely to return to a back four after their five-man defence against Union Berlin failed to create a platform for success last time out, with Emil Forsberg potentially set to be called upon from the start.

Willi Orban was surprisingly left out against Urs Fischer's side, but the Hungary international should return to captain the visitors from the heart of the defence.

Wolfsburg possible starting lineup:

Casteels; Baku, Bornauw, Van de Ven, Otavio; Svanberg, Arnold, Gerhardt; Wimmer, Wind, Kaminski

RB Leipzig possible starting lineup:

Blaswich; Henrichs, Orban, Gvardiol, Raum; Laimer, Schlager; Szoboszlai, Forsberg; Silva, Werner

We say: Wolfsburg 1-1 RB Leipzig

With both sides struggling for form in recent weeks, we can envisage a share of the spoils in Wolfsburg on Saturday.

Although Leipzig undoubtedly possess more individual quality than their forthcoming opponents do, Kovac's side have become increasingly tough to beat, while they have the advantage of playing without European football this season.

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