RB Leipzig will be looking to snap out of their recent erratic form as they host Crvena Zvezda in a UEFA Champions League Group G fixture on Wednesday. Leipzig will be relying on their superior quality and should have the upper hand over the Serbians, who are still winless in the competition.
RB Leipzig have been erratic in recent weeks and that inconsistency has been evident in their Champions League campaign so far. They began well enough, claiming a 3-1 victory over Young Boys but lost by the same scoreline to Manchester City last time out.
While a defeat to the current Champions League holders is not something to panic about, RB Leipzig’s overall recent form is worrisome. Marco Rose’s men have been particularly poor at home lately and are winless in their last three matches at the Red Bull Arena, although two of those fixtures have ended in draws.
The major problem for RB Leipzig is a shaky backline that has kept just one clean sheet in their last six matches across all competitions. Despite these issues, Leipzig will still head into Tuesday’s clash with condolence having claimed a 3-1 victory over Darmstadt in a Bundesliga fixture last Saturday.
It has not been a good start to the Champions League for Crvena Zvezda, who are still seeking their first win in Group G. They fell 3-1 to Manchester City in their opening fixture but held out for a 2-2 draw with Young Boys last time out.
Beyond their Champions League failings, Crvena Zvezda have generally been in good form lately and are unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions, claiming four wins in that run. They travel to Germany off the back of a 3-2 victory over Javor in a Serbian Super Liga fixture on Saturday.
One similarity between Crvena Zvezda and RB Leipzig is that the Serbians have also struggled to maintain their discipline at the back lately. Barak Bakhar’s men have kept just one clean sheet in their last four matches across all competitions, conceding seven goals in that run.
How the bookies view it
RB Leipzig have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies with a home win priced at 1/4 by bet365. A victory for Crvena Zvezda is valued at 12/1 by Coral while William Hill is offering odds of 11/2 for a draw.
Head to head
This will be the first ever meeting between RB Leipzig and Crvena Zvezda.
Players to watch
Lois Openda has impressed for RB Leipzig since joining in the summer, scoring seven goals across all competitions so far. The striker is coming off a brace at Darmstadt last weekend and could be worth keeping an eye on at 8/11 by bet365.
Jovan Mijatovic has been in good form for Crvena Zvezda in recent weeks, scoring in his last two matches. The forward is priced at 11/2 by bet365 to maintain his scoring run.
Anything else catch the eye
RB Leipzig have seen over 3.5 goals in both their Champions League matches this season and a repeat could be on the cards at 10/11 with bet365. There were second half goals for both teams last time out and a similar outcome could be expected at 2/1 with William Hill.
Given the minimal odds for a straight Leipzig victory, a win and both teams to score offers more value at 7/5 with BetVictor.
This UEFA Champions League match between RB Leipzig and Crvena Zvezda will be played on Oct 25, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best RB Leipzig vs Crvena Zvezda prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
