Borussia Dortmund hosts Leipzig in the Matchday 6 game of the Bundesliga, taking place at Signal Iduna Park, the home of Borussia Dortmund.
Facts
- Leipzig holds a recent head-to-head record of 7-0-2 against Dortmund.
- 11 of their last 12 meetings ended with over 2.5 goals scored; nine of those were BTTS.
- At home against Leipzig in the Bundesliga, Dortmund’s record is 5-1-3 (8/9 BTTS, 6/9 with over 4.5, 8/9 with over 2.5).
- Each of the last four meetings in Dortmund had over 1.5 goals scored in the first half.
Betting Tip: Borussia Dortmund – RB Leipzig
If Leipzig doesn’t improve defensively, this clash could easily produce a high scoreline. The market expects goals, so value is limited. Dortmund look the more balanced and controlled side, capable of managing tempo better than Leipzig.
- Recommendation: Dortmund to win
- Odds: 1.70 (at the time of writing)
Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund can be proud of its start. Words like calm, organised and sensible describe their Bundesliga approach. They recorded a fourth straight clean sheet in the league with a 2-0 win away at Mainz.
There was a bit of luck involved: the opponents hit the woodwork (26’) and then Dortmund immediately scored on the counter (27’). Another breakaway brought the second goal (40’), and a red card to Mainz (67’) allowed them to manage the rest of the match comfortably. All this despite missing Guirassy with a last-minute injury.
Barring the 3-3 on opening day at St Pauli, when they collapsed after a late red card, Niko Kovac’s side have been convincing. They have beaten every beatable opponent, keeping pace with Bayern, with whom they share the league’s best defensive record. Their current 4-1-0 run is their best Bundesliga start in a decade.
This is now a team that knows how to get results. They only shift into high gear when chasing a deficit. If the scoreline suits them, they control and manage the tempo expertly.
RB Leipzig
On paper, Leipzig’s one goal conceded in the last four matches looks impressive. In reality, their defensive structure is shaky. Ole Werner’s side allows a lot of chances, but opponents have been wasteful, while keeper Peter Gulasci has been excellent.
That hasn’t stopped them from winning four in a row since the 6-0 hammering by Bayern. Offensively, they are fun to watch: Diomande and Bakayoko provide pace and flair on the wings, and they create plenty of chances. Defensively, however, the balance isn’t right. In the 1-0 win at Wolfsburg, they could easily have conceded two, but also could have scored three.
The midfield lacks bite. With Baumgartner, a forward-minded player, in a central role, tackles and defensive cover are missing. As a result, most opponents reach their box with relative ease.
In short, Leipzig’s games are entertaining, full of tempo and chances. The reason many recent scorelines have remained low is more a result of finishing than solid defending. If they show the same defensive patterns in Dortmund, it’s hard to see them avoiding serious problems.
