RB Leipzig vs. VfB Stuttgart preview: Huge top-three clash at Red Bull Arena | OneFootball

RB Leipzig

Leipzig have responded fantastically since their heavy 6-0 defeat to Bayern Munich on opening day, going on a nine-match unbeaten run across all competitions under the guidance of Ole Werner, who took charge over the summer. 

The run includes seven wins, with Die Roten Bullen's confidence now sky-high as a result of their 6-0 demolition of Augsburg last time out in the league. The momentum was then carried into midweek, with Leipzig securing their pathway into the DFB-Pokal round of 16 following a 4-1 win against Energie Cottbus. 

Against this weekend's opponents, though, Leipzig are winless since 2023.

Team News

Benjamin Henrichs remains unavailable with a long-term Achilles tendon injury and is unlikely to return before the end of the year. Teenage defender Kosta Nedeljković also misses out due to a knee issue, though he could make his comeback in November.

Christoph Baumgartner has been in electric form, netting six goals in his last four matches — including a brace in the cup in midweek — and will again be a key figure in Leipzig’s attacking setup.

Predicted lineup - 4-3-3: Gulácsi - Baku, Orban, Lukeba, Raum. - Ouedraogo, Seiwald, Baumgartner - Bakayoko, Romulo, Nusa

VfB Stuttgart

Stuttgart arrive in Saxony flying high after an outstanding domestic run that has seen them win six of their eight Bundesliga fixtures to sit third in the table.

While their Europa League form has been inconsistent - suffering defeats away to Basel and Fenerbahçe - Sebastian Hoeneß’s side have maintained remarkable consistency at home and in the league.

Die Schwaben recorded back-to-back wins over Mainz in league and cup action, extending their Bundesliga winning streak to five matches. Another success this weekend would make it five straight victories over Leipzig, a remarkable turnaround in their head-to-head record.

Team news

Ermedin Demirović remains out with a foot injury, while Justin Diehl continues his recovery from an ankle problem. Despite those absences, Stuttgart have managed to sustain their attacking rhythm through Deniz Undav, who is expected to captain the side and lead the line once more.

The fitness of Tiago Tomas is also something to look out for, with the forward substituted for Undav minutes before Wednesday's win in Mainz due to a pre-match thigh issue.

Predicted lineup - 3-4-2-1: Nübel - Jeltsch, Chabot, Hendriks - Assignon, Chema, Stiller, Mittelstädt - El Khannouss, Tomas - Undav