Titanic clash

The top two in the Bundesliga face off in an enormous clash on Saturday as RB Leipzig entertain champions Bayern Munich.

Just two points separate the up-starts with the illustrious Bavarians with Hansi Flick’s men four points ahead of their counterparts.

Lewandowski out

The key news ahead of the game was that Robert Lewandowski, who has scored 35 Bundesliga goals this season, and was set to break the 40 goal mark, has been ruled out through injury. He has only missed just 17 games in seven seasons at Bayern.

RB Leipzig form

RB Leipzig will therefore be coming up against a weaker Bayern side and they must take advantage if they want to lift the title come May. They can cut the gap to one point with seven games left if they beat the reigning champions.

Julian Nagelsmann side are a young and fresh side who play with courage and intensity. They are unbeaten in their last eight games, winning seven, and have the best defensive record in the division with just 21 goals conceded and 13 clean sheets.

Team news

Dayot Upamecano is a rock in the Leipzig defence and is set to come up against his future employers – the French centre-back has already agreed terms on a move to Bayern in the summer. However, Angelino is likely be out for Die Roten Bullen.

Bayern Munich form

Bayern can take a giant step towards a ninth successive title if they beat Leipzig on Saturday.  They will go seven points clear with a win and it would surely end the title race for good.

Lewandowski’s absence is a bitter pill to swallow for the club with the Pole set to miss the Champions League ties against PSG as well.

Team news

There is no real direct replacement for the leading scorer, so Flick might opt for a fluid front four with Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman, Thomas Muller and Leroy Sane rotating. Eric Choupo Moting is also another option. Alphonso Davies and Jerome Boateng are both suspended.

Head-to-head

Leipzig have won just one of their last 11 games in all competitions against Bayern Munich. The reverse fixture ended 3-3 in a thrilling match that demonstrated the excitement of the Bundesliga. Each of the last four meetings between these two teams have ended in draws.

Hansi Flick’s side have scored 78 goals this season in the league, 30 more than Leipzig.

Featured image: Thomas Muller of FC Bayern Munich celebrates with teammate Kingsley Coman after scoring his team’s third goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and RB Leipzig. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)