Borussia Dortmund vs RB Leipzig
Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are all set to meet in the DFB-Pokal final. But before their big matchup in Berlin, the two sides will first meet for a dress rehearsal in Dortmund as BVB host the Red Bulls in a crucial Bundesliga clash.
Dortmund are still fighting to qualify for the Champions League next season, and they need to beat Leipzig to keep the pressure up on fourth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt.
Meanwhile, Leipzig don’t have much left to play for as they are quite safe in second and are too far back of leaders Bayern. But incoming Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann would love nothing more than to derail BVB’s Champions League hopes.
Talking Points
Dortmund’s Champions League dreams still alive
Borussia Dortmund have had a disappointing season by their standards, but they are at least finishing it strong. They are in the DFB-Pokal final for the first time since 2017 after thumping giant-killers Holstein Kiel 5-0.
That was Dortmund’s fourth win in a row in all competitions. BVB have also reeled off four straight wins in the league as their Bundesliga 2021 odds to overtake fourth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt remain quite strong.
Their last Bundesliga outing saw them pull off an impressive 2-0 away win at Wolfsburg, with ErlingHaaland scoring both goals.
Haaland appears to be back to his best after a recent goal drought. The 20-year-old has four goals in his last three games. He missed the Holstein Kiel match due to injury, but he should be ready to return against Leipzig.
Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho is back to full fitness after his recent injury and Marco Reus is in the midst of his best form of the season. The Dortmund skipper has scored four goals in his last seven games.
Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus celebrates with teammates after scoring their first goal vs 1. FC Union Berlin
However, Jude Bellingham will miss out due to suspension after getting sent off at Wolfsburg. The 17-year-old has been in fine form of late — he has three goals in his last six appearances — and his absence will be a blow to BVB, who are lacking depth in midfield.
With Bellingham out, Emre Can could be moved from central defence to midfield against Leipzig, with Manuel Akanji likely to partner Mats Hummels, who will be back from suspension.
Leipzig potentially lacking incentive
RB Leipzig are through to their second DFB-Pokal final in their relatively recent history after a dramatic 2-1 semi-final win over Werder Bremen. Emil Forsberg came on in extra-time and scored in stoppage time to hand the Red Bulls the victory.
That result came on the heels of the massive Bundesliga 2021 news that coach Julian Nagelsmann will be moving to Bayern Munich next season.
However, that announcement did not seem to have too much of an adverse effect on the side as they continued to fight till the end.
Leipzig’s league form has fallen off a bit in recent weeks, with just three wins in their last seven (two draws, two losses). They lost at home to a Bayern Munich side that was without Robert Lewandowski and also dropped crucial points against Hoffenheim and Koln that could have made the title race a bit more interesting.
As it has been all season, Leipzig’s biggest concern remains in front of goal. It’s telling that their two Bundesliga leading scorers this season are both midfielders — Forsberg and Marcel Sabitzer, who have seven goals apiece.
Striker Alexander Sorloth has been handed his first extended run as a starter, but he remains inconsistent.
History
Borussia Dortmund have been quite dominant against Leipzig over the last few years. BVB are undefeated in their last six meetings, with four wins and two draws.That includes a 3-1 win at Leipzig in their first matchup this season.
The trio of Haaland, Sancho, and Reus starred in that match: Haaland had a brace, Reus had a couple of assists, and Sancho had a goal and an assist.
Betting Tip
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Borussia Dortmund vs RB Leipzig | 1X2 Borussia Dortmund @ 2.09 |
| May 08, 21:30 (GMT+8) |
SBOTOP odds have Borussia Dortmund installed as 2.09 favourites over RB Leipzig, who are priced at 3.45 to win. Meanwhile, a draw is 3.30.
Clearly, Dortmund are the form team at the moment and will also have home advantage going for them. More importantly, though, they have more motivation to win as they are still fighting for the Champions League.
On the other hand, Leipzig will have little to play for and may even save themselves ahead of the cup final.
Look for the combination of Haaland, Sancho, and Reus should find a way past the Red Bulls’ resistance as Dortmund secure a huge home win.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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The post Bundesliga: Leipzig Out to Derail Dortmund’s Top-4 Dreams appeared first on SBOTOP.