RB Leipzig return to the Red Bull Arena under mounting pressure knowing that anything less than victory against Hoffenheim could be the end of their Champions League qualification hopes. Hoffenheim meanwhile, travel to Leipzig after managing a 1-1 draw against Augsburg before the international break.
A change of manager brought Leipzig no immediate success as they were knocked out of the DFB Pokal on Wednesday following a 3-1 loss to Stuttgart despite registering 25 shots. Their recent Bundesliga form also offers little reassurance with just three wins in their last 12 matches and they have also failed to score in half of their previous eight league outings. Nevertheless, Leipzig remain solid at home having lost only once in their last nine league fixtures at the Red Bull Arena. Now, the hosts sit sixth on the table with 42 points just three points behind fourth placed Mainz 05 with just seven games remaining. A win today is essential to keep their top four hopes alive.
A late penalty salvaged a point for Hoffenhiem against Augsburg after a lack of attacking spark. Die Kraichgauer have only suffered one loss in their last six matches but have only managed more than one goal in one of those games. Christian Ilzer’s men famously defeated Leipzig 4-3 in a their encounter earlier this season and will aim to repeat that performance in Saxony. They have also enjoyed some relative success on the road winning four of their last six Bundesliga away games. Still, Hoffenheim sit just five points above the relegation zone and with difficult fixtures ahead every point counts in their aim for survival.
RB Leipzig welcome back goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi from illness but defender Benjamin Henrichs remains sidelined until late May. Also unavailable for the hosts are Antonio Nusa, Xaver Schlager, Kevin Kampl and Forzan Assan Ouedraogo.
Hoffenheim are without defenders Ozan Kabak and Christopher Lenz, likely prompting a backline of Arthur Chaves and Leo Ostigard. Forwards Max Moerstedt, hlas Bebou and Adam Hlozek remain out.
RB Leipzig possible possible lineup: Gulacsi; Baku, Orban, Bitshiabu, Raum; Baumgartner, Vermeeren, Seiwald, Xavi; Sesko, Openda
Hoffenheim possible lineup: Baumann; Kaderabek, Chaves, Ostigard, Jurasek; Stach, Bischof; Toure, Kramaric, Bülter; Orban
