Match for the 2nd round of the Bundesliga at the Red Bull Arena, home of RB Leipzig.
What We Know
- Six of their last 10 meetings finished under 2.5 goals, with Leipzig holding a 4-2-0 record in those games.
- At home, Leipzig are 2-3-0 against Heidenheim (all 5 BTTS).
- Leipzig have also gone 7-2-0 in their first home league game of the season in the Bundesliga.
Betting Tip RB Leipzig - Heidenheim
Both sides were disappointing on opening day. Leipzig may have greater individual quality, but now is not the moment to back them at 1.41. Heidenheim, meanwhile, hardly inspire enough confidence to oppose Leipzig either. Best left alone, we are simply looking for the less problematic side.
- Prediction: BTTS
- Odds: 1.74
RB Leipzig
The 0-6 collapse in Munich, their heaviest ever Bundesliga defeat, was deeply concerning. Losing to Bayern is no shame, but the manner of the performance was alarming. It even prompted Red Bull sporting director Jürgen Klopp to travel urgently to Leipzig for crisis talks.
At the moment it is unclear whether the blame lies more with coach Ole Werner or with the players. In our opinion, Werner still looks like the wrong fit: he has never managed a side that plays the high-intensity pressing game demanded by the “Red Bulls.”
That said, what can he do if his players lack the required intensity, energy and focus? Eight goals conceded in two competitive matches is far too many. It doesn’t help that stars like Xavi and Openda look disinterested, with both having hoped for transfers elsewhere.
If they do not lead this young squad from the front, who will? Tough decisions and hard conversations inside the camp are needed if they wish to become a tighter, more functional unit. Last but not least, a trimmed squad is a necessity. With 31 players currently, the group is bloated and unbalanced.
Heidenheim
The lack of individual quality is no secret, but that was not the reason for their opening defeat (1-3) to Wolfsburg. Costly mistakes in passing and poor marking led to all three goals and several more chances conceded, especially in the first half. Defensive organisation must improve quickly.
Creatively, they offered little from wide areas, and the absence of Beck, still not fully fit, left Scienza as their only creative hub in midfield. That made it easier for Wolfsburg to shut him down and render Heidenheim predictable and harmless. Even their goal came from a set piece rather than open play.
Frank Schmidt’s side received an early reminder: unless they are fully switched on in terms of discipline, pressing and focus, they will be punished. They lack top-level players who can produce the decisive individual moment, so everything depends on collective work rate and structure.
Reinforcements would help, especially at full-back, but at the time of writing no signings have been made and none are expected, according to reports.
