RB Leipzig will next host Hoffenheim at the Red Bull Arena in the Bundesliga game on Friday. The hosts continue to chase down league leaders Bayern Munich with able to move within two points with a victory. Meanwhile, Hoffenheim is only five points above the relegation zone, so cannot allow a disappointing season to spiral out of control. Here’s a look at Leipzig vs Hoffenheim prediction and lineup. The match is scheduled to kick off at 12:00 am IST on 17th April 2021, Saturday.
Team Lineup
Leipzig: Gulasci; Orban, Upamecano, Klostermann; Henrichs, Sabitzer, Kampl, Angelino; Nkunku, Forsberg; Sorloth
RB Leipzig midfielder Tyler Adams is expected to be out until early May after suffering a back problem during Leipzig’s victory over Bremen. The American was replaced at halftime by Benjamin Henrichs, who could start against Hoffenheim, with Nordic Mukiele offering a backup choice.
Sorloth is anticipated to continue in attack after his two-goal performance against Bremen last time out, due to the absence of Konrad Laimer, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Yussuf Poulsen because of an injury,
Dayot Upamecano and Angelino seem to be back in contention after recovering from muscle injuries, and ahead of Tuesday’s trip to FC Koln, Nagelsmann is expected to give both players some game time.
Friday night football! 🤩
Back at the #RedBullArena 🏟️🥰
🔴⚪ #RBLeipzig #RBLTSG pic.twitter.com/VRwuUn7W3k
— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) April 16, 2021
Hoffenheim: Baumann; Akpoguma, Posch, Richards; Kaderabek, Baumgartner, Grillitsch, Samassekou, Sessegnon; Kramaric, Bebou
Hoffenheim has a major injury problem in the team, with Dennis Geiger, Ermin Bicakcic, and Benjamin Hubner all ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Kevin Akpoguma, Kevin Vogt, Mijat Gacinovic, Sargis Adamyan, and Kostas Stafylidis are improbable to be able to visit Leipzig.
In the 0-0 draw with Leverkusen, Sebastian Rudy also picked up an injury and after 38 minutes Andrej Kramaric substituted him. At the very least, the Croatian’s return could improve Hoffenheim’s attacking results, with Robert Skov possibly dropping out of the starting lineup to make room for Diadie Samassekou in the midfield.
M-A-T-C-H-D-A-Y 🔥
🆚 @RBLeipzig_EN
⏰ 8:30 pm
📍 Leipzig
📱 #RBLTSG pic.twitter.com/LKnQtegLCm— TSG Hoffenheim EN (@tsghoffenheimEN) April 16, 2021
Leipzig vs Hoffenheim Prediction
Kramaric’s return should provide Hoffenheim with enough attacking impetus to penetrate Leipzig’s backline, but it is unlikely to be enough for them to gain a positive result.
The possibility of moving within two points of Bayern will guarantee that Leipzig is highly motivated, with their offensive fluidity conceivably offering too much for Hoffenheim’s leaky defence to handle.
Our Prediction: Leipzig vs. Hoffenheim 2-1
