Borussia Dortmund vs RB Leipzig

February 2, 2017
By: Milos Markovic

Having been hit with the news their star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang wants to leave the club, Borussia Dortmund prepare to meet Bundesliga hot-shots RB Leipzig in what is likely to be a defining match for both sides and their respective seasons.

Aubame-GONE?

I bet Borussia Dortmund were not that surprised to hear their main star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang wants to leave at the end of the season. The scenario which unfolded far too many times over the last couple of years is likely to be repeated with one big difference though. Unlike Gotze, Lewandowski or Hummels, Aubameyang is unlikely to continue at Bayern Munich. The Gabon international has been openly flirting with Real Madrid over the past period, although PSG and Manchester City were also keen to grab him. Anyhow, Aubameyang will need to focus on the now and try to help his team overcome this season’s difficulties. The BVB are unbeaten in their last six matches, but Thomas Tuchel’s men have drawn four of the last five and that is a reason for concern. They let their lead slip through their fingers against Mainz for the tenth time this season and their finish is something to pay particular attention against RB Leipzig who have an eleven-point lead in front Dortmund at Bundesliga standings.

The hosts will be without defender Sven Bender who is still struggling with his ankle injury. In addition, Tuchel will not be able to call upon midfielder Nuri Sahin who is experiencing a knee problem, whereas it remains to be seen if Aubameyang will be involved after his latest revelations.

The Red Bulls refuse to go down without a fight

RB Leipzig are getting ready for a difficult game against strong rivals, but Dortmund fans are another thing to fight against. The BVB supporters have announced their plans to hold a new protest against RB Leipzig inside the Westfalenstadion on Saturday. It is nothing new to RB Leipzig who remember that many of BVB fans refused to travel to away fixture last September. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side has no time to worry about what they must consider trivial things as they go out determined to extend their eleven-point lead in front of Dortmund. RB Leipzig won all two games since Bundesliga resumed to show they still mean business and even went on to demonstrate great character by staging a comeback against Hoffenheim last time out. RB Leipzig defeated Dortmund in the first part of the season thanks to a late goal from Naby Keita in what has been the first top-flight win for the Red Bulls. We are sure visitors will not mind the same result to be repeated once more.

Emil Frosberg is serving his last match of suspension and will not be able to help his team in Dortmund. Lukas Klostermann is recovering from an ACL injury, while Oliver Burke has gone down with flu.

Verdict

Saturday brings a season-defining moment for both sides and Dortmund in particular as the BVB cannot afford to lose. That kind of pressure could cause problems for Thomas Tuchel’s side against the club which can be quite cruel in their punishment. We expect to see an openly-contested match between two sides and a highly eventful game.

Top pick: Both teams to score – yes   1.62 (8/13) @Bet365

Alternative pick 1: over 2.5 goals   1.65 (13/20) @WilliamHill

Alternative pick 2: Draw   4.00 (3/1) @BetVictor

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