Leipzig hope to cut the gap

RB Leipzig aim to close the gap on Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga to just two points when they host Hoffenheim on Friday night.

RB Leipzig form

Julian Nagelsmann’s side’s title hopes looked over when they were beaten 1-0 by Bayern Munich in their last home game. But a 4-1 win last week, combined with a Bayern draw, means the lead is down to five points with just six games to go.

It is an opportunity to exert some pressure on the league leaders, who will be reeling after their Champions League exit to PSG on Tuesday night. It might make them more motivated to wrap up the league title, but there could also be a hangover that Leipzig could exploit.

Julian Nagelsmann is being strongly rumoured to take over as Bayern manager next season with Hansi Flick expected to become the Germany manager after the Euros.

Leipzig have a strong home record this season with 10 wins from their 14 matches at the Red Bull Arena.  Statistically, this is Leipzig’s best ever campaign with 60 points from 28 games.

Hoffenheim form

Hoffenheim are in 12th and might need another win to avoid a nervy final few weeks as they look over their shoulders. Sebastian Hoeneß’s side are five points above the bottom three, but have lost three of their last four. Their away form is poor with just three wins from 14 games.

Die Kraichgaue are without an away win in five games, last winning at Hertha Berlin in January.

Head-to-head

RB Leipzig are unbeaten in their last six games against Hoffenheim in all competitions. Nagelsmann will be coming up against his former club, and the German has been in the dugout for all 10 previous meetings between the two sides.

Featured image: Head coach Julian Nagelsmann of RB Leipzig looks on during the Bundesliga match between SV Werder Bremen and RB Leipzig. (Photo by Max Maiwald/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)