The Matchday Preview

The final Bundesliga matchday before the winter break is here. A crucial relegation 6-pointer in Bochum, Bayern & Leipzig battle it out at the top of the table, & so much more!

The final Bundesliga matchday before the winter break is here. A crucial relegation 6-pointer in Bochum, Bayern & Leipzig battle it out at the top of the table, & so much more!

FC Bayern v RB Leipzig

What seemed poised to be a runaway title campaign for FC Bayern has suddenly turned into a highly competitive Meisterschale race following Der Rekordmeister’s shock 2-1 defeat to Mainz last weekend. After thrashing Mainz 8-1 last season and securing a comfortable 4-0 victory in the Pokal just two months ago, all signs pointed to another routine win. However, Die 05er had other plans, pulling off an unexpected upset.

Despite creating the better chances, Bayern’s performance was far from dominant. Jamal Musiala delivered arguably his worst display of the season, looking uncharacteristically off the pace, while Leroy Sané’s late goal felt more fortunate than the result of a well-crafted attack. The defeat highlighted Bayern’s ongoing difficulties transitioning to the leadership of Vincent Kompany. While there is an improved club atmosphere and flashes of promise under the Belgian coach, the raw numbers paint a more sobering picture.

Bayern have already been knocked out of the Pokal, suffered two defeats in the Champions League group stage, and have accumulated two fewer Bundesliga points than at this stage last season. Defensive frailties persist, and the team remains overly reliant on Jamal Musiala and Harry Kane. Off the pitch, unresolved contract issues loom large, adding to the mounting pressure in Munich.

Friday’s clash with RB Leipzig offers a chance for redemption, but it could also deepen Bayern’s woes. A loss could see Bayer Leverkusen close to within a single point at the top, and even Frankfurt and Leipzig would be within striking distance.

Leipzig, despite their European struggles—losing all six Champions League group-stage matches—have reignited their domestic campaign in recent weeks. Marco Rose’s side has won back-to-back Bundesliga games, including a crucial 2-1 victory over Frankfurt on Sunday, pulling them level on points with Dino Toppmöller’s Eintracht.

RB Leipzig are still without Xavi Simons after the Dutch international suffered an ankle injury in mid-October, but Rose can at least call upon Xaver Schlager again. The Austrian midfield motor returned to the starting lineup on Sunday after a lengthy absence due to a cruciate ligament tear. The 27-year-old, often plagued by injuries, is a relentless box-to-box midfielder whose energy and tackling will be pivotal at the Allianz Arena.

Prediction: Draw

Eintracht Frankfurt v Mainz 05

Securing a spot in the Bundesliga’s top four heading into the winter break would have been a dream scenario for Eintracht Frankfurt at the start of the season. However, Die Adler are limping toward that milestone, with their recent form leaving much to be desired. Winless in their last four matches across all competitions, Frankfurt’s slide has raised concerns about their ability to maintain the momentum they showed during the early months of the season.

RB Leipzig has been a recurring nemesis in Frankfurt’s recent struggles. Marco Rose’s side kicked off Frankfurt’s downturn with a Pokal exit on December 4th and dealt the latest blow on Sunday with a 2-1 victory. Despite a superb equalizer from Nürnberg signings Can Uzun and Nathaniel Brown in the 19th minute, Loïs Openda’s second-half strike proved decisive, pushing Frankfurt down to third after three weeks in second place.