Bayer Leverkusen vs RB Leipzig – News and Probable Lineups

RB Leipzig can secure a position within the Bundesliga’s top four with a victory against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday at BayArena.

As the season nears its end with only three matchweeks remaining, Leverkusen, currently in sixth place with 55 points, finds itself two points behind the last Champions League spot. In contrast, third-placed Leipzig holds 62 points, and a win would guarantee them a spot in next season’s Champions League.

Match overview

The home team narrowly defeated FC Koln 2-1 on April 25, a match where they were fortunate since their opponents missed more than one out of 25 attempts, creating an xG figure exceeding three.

A defeat this weekend would not mathematically eliminate Leverkusen from contention for a top-four finish, but they could find themselves five points behind with only two games remaining. Nevertheless, there is a possibility that the Bundesliga may introduce a fifth Champions League spot by the season’s close.

Head coach Kasper Hjulmand understands that his team has a strong chance to close in on fourth-placed Stuttgart, especially as they are set to meet on May 9, but they must be within striking distance by that time.

Although Die Werkself faced a loss in the match preceding their victory over Koln, they have managed to win three of their last four fixtures in the top league, netting 10 goals across those outings.

However, they also conceded six goals during that span, and have recorded just one clean sheet in six league matches, seeking their first shutout in five attempts at home.

Despite Leverkusen’s 2-1 loss against Augsburg at BayArena on April 18, it marked their first defeat at home in six league matches. A win this Saturday would mark their fourth triumph in seven league games at their venue.

Leipzig is peaking at just the right time, having not only won their last five Bundesliga matches but also seven out of the last eight in the league.

Die Roten Bullen recorded a 3-1 victory over Union Berlin on April 24, marking the third occasion in five games where they netted three or more goals and the eighth game in ten where they scored at least twice.

With a win this weekend, Ole Werner’s team would solidify their spot in the top four. Although they only hold a two-point lead over both fourth-placed Stuttgart and fifth-placed Hoffenheim, one of those teams is guaranteed to drop points as they compete against each other on Saturday.

In their previous matchup, Leipzig lost 3-1 against Leverkusen in December 2025, marking their fourth defeat in six contests against the same opponents.

However, the visitors have emerged victorious in three of their last four matches away from home, with their only two defeats in the last eight road games coming against Bayern Munich and Stuttgart.

Team News

Fortunately for Leverkusen, most of their squad is fit for the concluding phase of the season, with their main concern being teenage striker Christian Kofane, who may miss this weekend due to a thigh injury.

Patrik Schick, an experienced player often selected this season, should be included in a forward line alongside Ibrahim Maza and Nathan Tella without issue.

Jarell Quansah is expected to anchor the hosts’ three-man defense, while Exequiel Palacios’s skill with the ball could prove vital for Leverkusen’s chances of securing a win.

Leipzig winger Yan Diomande hopes to find the net for the third time in his last four games, while striker Romulo will be looking to mark his third goal in eight appearances.

Forzan Assan Ouedraogo, Xaver Schlager, and Christoph Baumgartner all performed well together against Union Berlin, and their selection for Saturday’s match seems highly likely.

Bayer Leverkusen probable starting XI:

Blaswich; Quansah, Andrich, Thapsobah; Culbreath, Palacios, Garcia, Grimaldo; Maza, Tella; Schick

RB Leipzig probable starting XI:

Vandevoordt; Baku, Orban, Lukeba, Raum; Ouedraogo, Schlager, Baumgartner; Diomande, Romulo, Nusa