This Champions League encounter sees RB Leipzig hosting Sporting CP at the Red Bull Arena Leipzig on 22 January 2025. Kicking off at 17:45, this match promises to be a crucial fixture for both teams. Leipzig, currently languishing in 34th place with no points, will be looking to overturn their fortunes against Sporting CP, who sit comfortably in 17th spot with 10 points.

Despite a recent run of mixed results (DLWLW) in their domestic league, Leipzig’s key player, Benjamin Sesko, has been in the spotlight with potential transfer interest from Arsenal. His contribution could be pivotal in this matchup.

Sporting CP, who are the bookmakers’ favourites, come into this game in good form (WLWDW), with Viktor Gyoekeres being a standout performer with five goals in the competition thus far. The away team has shown solid defensive prowess, keeping three clean sheets in their last five games.

Given the current form and standings, our recommended bet is for Leipzig 0.00 (AH) with odds of 2.25. Leipzig playing at home could be a decisive factor, although Sporting’s better performances make this an intriguing contest.

RB Leipzig vs Sporting CP Prediction & Betting Tip

Given the form and circumstances surrounding this Champions League fixture, our recommended betting tip is for Leipzig 0.00 (AH). Here’s why we’ve chosen this bet:

• Home advantage: RB Leipzig playing at the Red Bull Arena gives them a significant edge.
• Tactical edge: Leipzig’s recent high-scoring performances (average goals: 2.20 in the last 5 games) hint at an aggressive approach.
• Sporting’s defense: Although solid, Sporting CP have conceded 1.3 goals on average in this tournament.

These factors suggest that betting on RB Leipzig to secure at least a draw with a 0.00 Asian Handicap offers value for money.

RB Leipzig vs Sporting CP Odds

With the Champions League stakes high, the bookmaker odds for this match favour Sporting CP, but Leipzig could spring a surprise.

Leipzig’s odds of 2.83 reflect their struggles in the competition, yet they might leverage home advantage at the Red Bull Arena. The draw sits at 3.60, hinting at a competitive game, while Sporting CP’s win at 2.35 suggests bettors see them as the ber side due to their recent form.

RB Leipzig Team Analysis

RB Leipzig’s recent performance has been a mixed bag, showcasing both resilience and areas for improvement.

RB Leipzig has scored an average of 2.20 goals per game but has struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 5 games. Despite these challenges, their attacking prowess, led by Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons, is a positive element, but they need to shore up their defense to ensure better outcomes moving forward.

RB Leipzig Key Players

Leipzig’s key players to watch in this Champions League clash include Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons. Sesko, who has been in the spotlight with Arsenal eyeing a big-money move, has netted 13 goals and provided three assists this season. His goal-scoring prowess will be crucial against Sporting CP.

Simons has also been impressive, and his ability to create opportunities will be key for Leipzig’s attack.

Expected lineup for RB Leipzig:

• Goalkeeper: Peter Gulacsi
• Defenders: Lukas Klostermann, Willi Orban, Nicolas Seiwald
• Midfielders: Ridle Baku, Kevin Kampl, Arthur Vermeeren, David Raum
• Attackers: Loïs Openda, Xavi Simons, Benjamin Sesko

Key individual battles will include Sesko vs. Diomande and Simons vs. Morita.

RB Leipzig Suspensions & Injuries

Leipzig is currently dealing with several injuries that could impact their performance against Sporting CP. Here is a detailed look at the injured players and their expected return dates:

The absence of crucial players like Lukeba, Silva, and Poulsen could weaken Leipzig’s depth and defensive stability. Additionally, Henrichs’ season-ending injury further depletes their options at the back, making tactical adjustments a necessity for coach Marco Rose.

RB Leipzig Tactics and Formation

• Formation: Expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Benjamin Sesko
• Midfield Duo: Kevin Kampl and Arthur Vermeeren
• Defensive Trio: Lukas Klostermann, Willi Orban, Nicolas Seiwald
• Notable Strategy: Utilizing the pace and creativity of Ridle Baku and David Raum as wing-backs to stretch the opposition.

Leipzig’s coach, Marco Rose, appears set to use a three-man defense, providing defensive stability and allowing the wing-backs to contribute to both attack and defense. Loïs Openda and Xavi Simons are expected to operate just behind the main striker, Sesko, who is a focal point for Leipzig’s offensive play. Despite a challenging recent run in the Champions League, Leipzig’s approach focuses on rapid counter-attacks and exploiting spaces behind the opponent’s defense. Their average of 2.2 goals per game in the last five matches highlights their attacking potential.

Sporting CP Team Analysis

Sporting CP have been in solid form lately, securing three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five encounters. Here’s a quick look at their recent results:

In their last five matches, Sporting CP have displayed better offensive capabilities, averaging 3.2 goals per game. Notably, three clean sheets highlight their defensive resilience.
Their recent form and scoring prowess, coupled with Viktor Gyoekeres’ impact, make them a formidable side despite being the bookmaker’s underdogs for this clash.

Sporting CP Key Players

Sporting CP has a few standout players who are expected to significantly influence the match. Viktor Gyoekeres has been a talisman for them, with 5 goals in 6 matches in this competition. His presence will be crucial as they look to unlock RB Leipzig’s defense.

Expected lineup for Sporting CP:

• Goalkeeper: Franco Israel
• Defenders: Eduardo Quaresma, Ousmane Diomande, Jerry St. Juste, Matheus Reis
• Midfielders: Geny Catamo, Hidemasa Morita, Morten Hjulmand, Geovany Quenda
• Forwards: Francisco Trincão, Viktor Gyoekeres

Gyoekeres’ battle with Leipzig’s defensive trio of Klostermann, Orban, and Seiwald will be one to watch. Another key duel could be between Trincão and RB Leipzig’s left side, where Ridle Baku and David Raum operate. With Gyoekeres’ scoring knack and the creativity of Trincão, Sporting CP has the firepower to cause problems.

Sporting CP Suspensions & Injuries

Sporting CP have a few critical injuries to navigate, with key players like Nuno Santos, Pedro Gonçalves Pote, Daniel Bragança, and Gonçalo Inácio all sidelined until late January 2025.

The absence of these players could potentially weaken their squad depth and disrupt coach Rui Borges’ plans. The defense in particular may feel the strain, with Inácio’s injury posing a significant challenge.

However, the expected return of these players soon might just give Sporting CP the boost they need in the latter stages of the competition.

Sporting CP Tactics and Formation

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Viktor Gyökeres
• Midfield Duo: Hidemasa Morita, Morten Hjulmand
• Defensive Strength: Conceded only once in the last five games.

Sporting CP’s strategy involves a solid 4-4-2 formation that allows for fluid transitions from defence to attack. The two forwards, Viktor Gyökeres and Francisco Trincão, aim to press high and exploit spaces behind the opposition’s defence, with Gyökeres having netted five goals in six matches in this tournament.

In midfield, the combination of Hidemasa Morita and Morten Hjulmand brings both defensive stability and creative spark. Their wide midfielders, Geny Catamo and Geovany Quenda, provide width and crossing options, making Sporting CP lethal during the 46-60 minute interval when they’ve scored the most goals this season. Their defence, especially with the centre-back pairing of Ousmane Diomande and Jerry St. Juste, will be crucial in maintaining their recent form of three clean sheets in the last five games.