RB Leipzig vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 20 December

RB Leipzig will face Bayer Leverkusen in a Bundesliga clash on Saturday, 20 December, at the Red Bull Arena Leipzig. This match is a significant fixture in the Bundesliga calendar, as both teams are renowned for their competitive edge and tactical acumen. The phrase ‘RB Leipzig vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips’ underscores the anticipation surrounding this encounter, with fans and punters eager to see how these two sides will fare against each other.

RB Leipzig, playing on home turf, will be aiming to make the most of their familiar surroundings to secure a crucial victory. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen will look to challenge Leipzig’s home advantage and push for a positive result. The outcome of this match could have major implications for the Bundesliga standings, making it a must-watch for football fans and those seeking betting insights.

RB Leipzig vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both teams to score in the first half: yes	3.5

We expect a tightly contested match between two high-scoring teams, and our recommended betting tip is Both Teams To Score in the first half. Leipzig’s aggressive home approach and Leverkusen’s rapid transitions make this a likely scenario.

• Leipzig are unbeaten in their last 6 home matches, demonstrating a strong start in games.
• Bayer Leverkusen have scored first in 79% of their matches this season, highlighting their early attacking intent.
• Both sides are averaging nearly 2 goals per game, suggesting plenty of early action.

Leipzig are unbeaten in their last 6 home matches, demonstrating a strong start in games.

Bayer Leverkusen have scored first in 79% of their matches this season, highlighting their early attacking intent.

Both sides are averaging nearly 2 goals per game, suggesting plenty of early action.

Betting Odds

RB Leipzig enter this Bundesliga clash as favourites with odds of 2.08, but Bayer Leverkusen are not far behind at 3.19. The draw, priced at 3.73, could also appeal given the competitive nature of these encounters.

Betting Tip	Odds
RB Leipzig to win	2.08
Draw	3.73
Bayer Leverkusen to win	3.19

For those considering a wager, the market suggests a closely fought contest, with value in both teams finding the net. The over 2.5 goals market is also worth watching, as both teams boast strong attacking line-ups.

RB Leipzig Analysis & Recent Performance

RB Leipzig have shown impressive form in recent matches, recording three wins, one draw, and one defeat in their last five outings. Their home record is outstanding, with five consecutive victories and a flawless win ratio of 1.00. Their most notable performance was a commanding 6-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, underlining their attacking strength.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Union Berlin	RB Leipzig	3 – 1 (Loss)	Bundesliga	Dec 12, 2025
RB Leipzig	Eintracht Frankfurt	6 – 0 (Win)	Bundesliga	Dec 6, 2025
RB Leipzig	Magdeburg	3 – 1 (Win)	DFB Cup	Dec 2, 2025
Borussia Moenchengladbach	RB Leipzig	0 – 0 (Draw)	Bundesliga	Nov 28, 2025
RB Leipzig	Werder Bremen	2 – 0 (Win)	Bundesliga	Nov 23, 2025

Recent Form:

• LWWDW

Leipzig’s attack has been particularly effective, averaging 2.40 goals per game over their last five fixtures, while their defence has been solid, conceding just 0.80 goals per match and keeping three clean sheets. This balance between attack and defence is a key asset, helping them maintain second place in the Bundesliga with 29 points. However, they must address the defensive lapses seen in their defeat to Union Berlin, where they conceded three goals.

RB Leipzig Suspensions & Injuries

RB Leipzig are contending with several key absences due to injury. Benjamin Henrichs’ Achilles tendon problem and Ridle Baku’s ankle injury mean the team will be without important defensive options. Both are expected to return by late December and mid-January, respectively, leaving a significant gap at full-back. Coach Ole Werner will likely turn to Kosta Nedeljkovic and David Raum to fill these roles, which may impact their usual attacking support.

In midfield, Assan Ouédraogo’s hamstring injury and Ezechiel Banzuzi’s hip issue are notable setbacks, with both expected back in early to mid-January. This limits depth and dynamism in midfield, putting extra pressure on Xaver Schlager and Nicolas Seiwald to control the centre of the pitch. The absence of Antonio Nusa and Rômulo Cardoso further restricts attacking options, potentially resulting in a more conservative tactical approach.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Benjamin Henrichs	Achilles tendon injury	Mid January 2026
Viggo Gebel	Cruciate ligament injury	Early July 2026
El Chadaille Bitshiabu	Thigh injury	About a week
Rômulo Cardoso	Knee injury	Late December 2025
Assan Ouédraogo	Hamstring Injury	Mid January 2026
Ridle Baku	Ankle injury	Late December 2025
Antonio Nusa	Ankle injury	Early January 2026
Ezechiel Banzuzi	Hip injury	Early January 2026
Willi Orban	Muscle injury	Early January 2026

These absences have a significant tactical impact, especially given RB Leipzig’s reliance on their full-backs for width and their midfield for control. The team may opt for a more central approach, making use of their available midfielders and forwards. This could also influence betting markets, as reduced squad depth may make RB Leipzig less favoured against Bayer Leverkusen, particularly in a high-stakes Bundesliga encounter.

RB Leipzig Key Players

RB Leipzig’s attacking threat is led by Yan Diomande, the team’s top scorer with 6 goals this season. His ability to score from a range of positions makes him a constant danger to defences. Diomande’s sharp movement and clinical finishing are vital as Leipzig look to break down Bayer Leverkusen’s defence. Alongside him, Johan Bakayoko provides creativity and pace on the flanks, delivering crucial support and crosses that can unlock opposition backlines.

In midfield, Nicolas Seiwald is pivotal as a playmaker, dictating the tempo and facilitating transitions from defence to attack. His vision and passing accuracy are fundamental to Leipzig’s fluid attacking play. At the back, Castello Lukeba stands out as a key defender, with strong tackling and excellent reading of the game, giving Leipzig a solid defensive foundation.

Expected lineup for RB Leipzig

• Goalkeeper: Peter Gulacsi
• Defence: Kosta Nedeljkovic, Willi Orban, David Raum, Castello Lukeba
• Midfield: Christoph Baumgartner, Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager
• Forward: Johan Bakayoko, Conrad Harder, Tidiam Gomis

RB Leipzig Tactics and Formation

RB Leipzig Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Johan Bakayoko
• Midfield Core: Christoph Baumgartner, Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager
• Defensive Record: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick ball recovery.

RB Leipzig utilise a 4-3-3 formation that emphasises a strong midfield presence and dynamic attacking play. Christoph Baumgartner, Nicolas Seiwald, and Xaver Schlager form a balanced midfield trio, providing both defensive stability and creative support for the forwards.

Defensively, the partnership of Willi Orban and Castello Lukeba in central defence has been vital, helping the team keep three clean sheets in recent matches. Full-backs Kosta Nedeljkovic and David Raum add width and defensive cover.

In attack, Johan Bakayoko is a key figure in the forward line, supported by Conrad Harder and Tidiam Gomis. Leipzig’s strategy revolves around high pressing and rapid transitions, aiming to disrupt opponents and capitalise on turnovers in advanced areas.

Bayer Leverkusen Analysis & Recent Performance

Bayer Leverkusen have experienced mixed results in recent weeks, with two wins, two defeats, and one draw in their last five matches. This run includes a noteworthy 2-0 win over FC Köln and a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Newcastle in the Champions League.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Bayer Leverkusen	FC Cologne	2 – 0 (Win)	Bundesliga	13 Dec 2025
Bayer Leverkusen	Newcastle	2 – 2 (Draw)	Champions League	10 Dec 2025
Augsburg	Bayer Leverkusen	2 – 0 (Loss)	Bundesliga	6 Dec 2025
Borussia Dortmund	Bayer Leverkusen	0 – 1 (Win)	DFB-Pokal	2 Dec 2025
Bayer Leverkusen	Borussia Dortmund	1 – 2 (Loss)	Bundesliga	29 Nov 2025

Recent Form:

• WDLWL

Leverkusen’s attack has been relatively steady, averaging 1.20 goals per match in their last five games. Defensively, they’ve managed two clean sheets, conceding an average of 1.20 goals per game. Their away form has been particularly promising, with a win ratio of 0.80 in their last five away fixtures, underlining their strength on the road. Currently, they sit 4th in the Bundesliga with 26 points, reflecting their competitive status this season.

Bayer Leverkusen Suspensions & Injuries

Bayer Leverkusen are dealing with several key absences that could significantly affect their performance against RB Leipzig. Patrik Schick’s ankle injury keeps him out for about a week, depriving the team of a vital attacking option. The absence of Exequiel Palacios with a groin injury until late January 2026 further weakens the midfield’s creative and defensive balance. Alejandro Grimaldo, crucial at left-back, is also sidelined with a mouth injury, expected to return in early January 2026. These injuries challenge Leverkusen’s squad depth and may force tactical changes, especially in maintaining defensive solidity and fluid transitions.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Jarell Quansah	Yellow cards	1	Unknown

The suspension of Jarell Quansah due to an accumulation of yellow cards leaves a gap in Leverkusen’s defensive line. With no obvious direct replacement in the starting XI, coach Kasper Hjulmand may need to adjust his defensive setup, possibly turning to Axel Tape-Kobrissa or Jeanuel Belocian to fill the void left by Quansah. This could result in a reshuffled backline and a need for greater defensive discipline against a potent RB Leipzig attack.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Exequiel Palacios	Groin injury	Late January 2026
Patrik Schick	Ankle injury	About a week
Ernest Poku	Hamstring injury	Mid January 2026
Alejandro Grimaldo	Mouth injury	Early January 2026

The absence of these key players not only tests Leverkusen’s squad depth but also necessitates tactical adjustments. The team may need to adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on shoring up the midfield and defence to counterbalance these losses. Punters should bear these factors in mind, as the lack of key personnel could influence the match outcome, potentially giving RB Leipzig an edge in attacking opportunities.

Bayer Leverkusen Key Players

Bayer Leverkusen’s tactical approach in this fixture will rely heavily on the dynamism of their midfield, with Jonas Hofmann set to play a central role. Hofmann’s ability to transition play from defence to attack makes him a crucial figure, particularly in supporting lone striker Alejo Sarco. Meanwhile, Nathan Tella’s pace on the flanks could be instrumental in stretching RB Leipzig’s defence, creating space and opportunities for his teammates.

With top scorer Patrik Schick (5 goals this season) absent, attacking responsibility falls to Alejo Sarco. His role as the focal point of the attack will be to take advantage of any defensive lapses by Leipzig and convert the chances that come his way. The midfield trio of Eliesse Ben Seghir, Arthur, and Aleix Garcia will be vital in controlling the tempo and shielding the defence.

Expected lineup for Bayer Leverkusen:

• Goalkeeper: Mark Flekken
• Defenders: Jeanuel Belocian, Robert Andrich, Axel Tape-Kobrissa
• Midfielders: Eliesse Ben Seghir, Arthur, Aleix Garcia, Jonas Hofmann, Malik Tillman, Nathan Tella
• Forward: Alejo Sarco

At the back, Robert Andrich will be key in organising the defence and providing leadership. His experience and tactical awareness will be crucial in maintaining a solid shape against Leipzig’s potent attack. Jeanuel Belocian and Axel Tape-Kobrissa will need to be at their best to counter Leipzig’s offensive threats, ensuring focus and resilience throughout the match.

Bayer Leverkusen Tactics and Formation

Bayer Leverkusen Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Alejo Sarco
• Midfield Pivot: Arthur and Aleix Garcia
• Defensive Structure: Recent changes due to injuries, impacting clean sheets.
• Notable Strategy: Strong midfield control and attacking transitions.

Bayer Leverkusen employ a 3-4-2-1 formation that enables them to control the midfield through Arthur and Aleix Garcia. These two are pivotal in both defensive cover and launching attacks, providing creative outlets from deep.

The absence of key players such as Alejandro Grimaldo and Patrik Schick has necessitated tactical adjustments, particularly in defence. Jeanuel Belocian and Axel Tape-Kobrissa have stepped into the backline, replacing regular starters, which may affect their ability to keep clean sheets.

In attack, Leverkusen depend on the goal threat of Alejo Sarco, supported by dynamic wide players Jonas Hofmann and Nathan Tella. The team’s main strength lies in their ability to execute rapid attacking transitions, making them especially dangerous after regaining possession in midfield.

RB Leipzig vs Bayer Leverkusen Head-to-Head Record

In their last 18 head-to-head meetings, RB Leipzig have the advantage with 8 wins compared to Bayer Leverkusen’s 5, while 5 matches have ended in a draw. The most recent encounter resulted in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Red Bull Arena in January 2025, highlighting the competitive nature of these Bundesliga fixtures.

The last time Leipzig hosted Leverkusen, it ended in a narrow 3-2 defeat for the home side in January 2024. Leipzig will be eager to reverse this trend and make the most of their home advantage this time.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
RB Leipzig	Bayer Leverkusen	2 – 2	Bundesliga	2025-01-25
Bayer Leverkusen	RB Leipzig	2 – 3	Bundesliga	2024-08-31
RB Leipzig	Bayer Leverkusen	2 – 3	Bundesliga	2024-01-20
Bayer Leverkusen	RB Leipzig	3 – 2	Bundesliga	2023-08-19
Bayer Leverkusen	RB Leipzig	2 – 0	Bundesliga	2023-04-23