Borussia Dortmund vs Leipzig
Bundesliga
Saturday
9th December 2023
Signal Iduna Park
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Bundesliga fixture between Borussia Dortmund and Leipzig.
Borussia Dortmund vs Leipzig: Preview
Borussia Dortmund form analysis
Dortmund have endured a turbulent run of form, recording just one victory in their last five Bundesliga fixtures. Despite twice rallying from behind against Eintracht Frankfurt, they had to settle for a thrilling 3-3 draw. Humiliation followed at home against rivals Bayern Munich, ruthlessly dismantled 4-0 in a harrowing defeat. Their poor run continued away to Stuttgart, taking an early lead through Niclas Füllkrug before a second half capitulation saw them fall 2-1.
Dortmund returned to winning ways by edging past Borussia Mönchengladbach 4-2 in an end-to-end thriller, but questions remain about their defensive stability after squandering multiple leads. These concerns intensified further after throwing away three points against Bayer Leverkusen last time out, undone by a late equalizer in a 1-1 draw. Over this period, Dortmund have showcased impressive attacking verve led by the link up play of Füllkrug and Julian Brandt, but an inability to manage games spells trouble. They must address their defensive vulnerabilities if Dortmund are to challenge Bayern Munich for the Meisterschale.
Leipzig form analysis
RB Leipzig started this run emphatically, dispatching FC Köln 6-0 led by a Timo Werner brace. However, they were handed a reality check away at Mainz, devoid of attacking flair in a limp 2-0 defeat. Manager Marco Rose would have demanded a response against Freiburg, and Leipzig duly delivered by overturning a 1-1 halftime scoreline to prevail 3-1, buoyed by goals from Loïs Openda and Christoph Baumgartner. Their inconsistencies persisted last time out at Wolfsburg however, as defensive lapses enabled the hosts to claim a 2-1 victory despite Yussuf Poulsen equalizing.
Leipzig returned to winning ways against Heidenheim, efficiently navigating past the visitors 2-1 courtesy of Openda’s early penalty. Over this period, Leipzig have showcased tremendous upside, evidenced by the dominant victory over Köln and resilient display against Freiburg. However, fluctuating intensity levels remain an Achilles heel. If the manager can get greater focus and ruthlessness from this talented squad, a top four push looks firmly within their grasp as they aim to qualify for the Champions League.
