RB Leipzig were in the Champions League last term, but now face the indignity of starting their campaign in July. Kev thinks they’ll be a bit rusty tonight.
RB Leipzig v Hacken
Thursday 26 July, 17:30
Swashbuckling Leipzig will leave a few gaps
Our first setback of the week came courtesy of a bore draw between Ludogorets and MOL Vidi last night, a result that gives the Hungarians every chance of causing a big upset in the second leg, for all the good that does us.
We’ll pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down (do people really do that when they fall over?) and move across to the Europa League. Bundesliga big-hitters RB Leipzig are making a very early start to their season as they face Swedish side Hacken.
It’s already been a summer of change in Leipzig. Coach Ralph Hasenhuttl was ousted after a disappointing end to the season, and sporting director Ralf Rangnick has once again seized the coaching reins. Remember it was Rangnick who led them to promotion to the top flight in the first place, and although highly-rated Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann will take over coaching duties at the start of next season, Rangnick is still very much the leading voice of the choir.
Leipzig are missing two of their first-choice back four tonight, with centre-back Dayot Upamecano and right-back Konrad Laimer both injured. Timo Werner, Yussuf Poulsen and Emil Forsberg have been given time off after their World Cup exploits, so also won’t feature.
Rangnick has warned his players that Hacken are a dangerous attacking unit, and that offensive approach might play into our hands tonight. Hacken are only a mid-table side in the Swedish top flight at present, but they pack a punch in attack. The Wasps have scored 21 goals in 14 league games this term, and have scored at least once in ten of their last 13 matches in all competitions.
By nature, Leipzig are an attacking team that takes defensive risks. They regularly field promising yet inexperienced defenders, who make mistakes while learning on the job. Therefore, it’s no surprise to see that nine of their final 11 competitive games of last season saw both teams score.
That outcome is trading at a chunky [2.4], and I’m happy to back it.
2018 P/L
Points Staked: 111
Points Returned: 116.05
P/L: +5.05 points
Source: Betfair Europa League
