RB Leipzig vs Borussia Monchengladbach – News and Probable Lineups

RB Leipzig kick off their pursuit of a top-four spot in the Bundesliga on Saturday as they host Borussia Monchengladbach at the Red Bull Arena.

Die Roten Bullen qualified for the UEFA Champions League last season by securing fourth place, while Gladbach struggled, finishing a mere nine points above the relegation zone in 12th.

Match overview

Since their promotion to the Bundesliga in the 2016-17 season, Leipzig have consistently been seen as competitors to Bayern, but they ended the 2024-25 season in seventh place. However, they made a strong comeback last season, re-entering the Champions League.

The home side improved across various metrics, scoring 13 more goals (66) than the previous season, conceding one fewer (47), and amassing 14 additional points in the 2025-26 campaign.

It remains to be seen if new head coach Martin Demichelis can maintain the challenge against Bayern, particularly with some key departures, including Yan Diomande’s transfer to Real Madrid.

Die Roten Bullen have already kicked off their domestic campaign, defeating Eintracht Trier 6-0 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal on August 22.

Leipzig concluded their last campaign positively, winning six out of eight Bundesliga matches, losing two, and securing victory in their final five home games at the Red Bull Arena, keeping two clean sheets and netting 13 times.

Gladbach’s primary objective this season is to steer clear of the relegation zone, as their total of 38 points last season left them perilously close, just nine points above the relegation spots.

Die Fohlen actually collected seven points fewer than in the 2024-25 season and netted 13 goals less, totaling only 42.

Head coach Eugen Polanski will be looking for his side to secure a second win from eight encounters against Leipzig, although a loss would mark their fifth defeat during this sequence.

Gladbach arrives at the Red Bull Arena following a 5-0 victory against Schott Mainz in the first round of the DFB-Pokal on August 23, which also marked their fourth clean sheet in five competitive matches.

Die Fohlen ended the last season without a victory in their last 11 away Bundesliga fixtures, losing seven and failing to score in five of those matches.

Team News

It’s challenging to determine Leipzig’s potential lineup with Demichelis having just taken over, but forwards Antonio Nusa and Tidiam Gomis have been included in the starting lineup throughout pre-season.

The home team will be missing midfielder Christoph Baumgartner, but Ezechiel Banzuzi may be elevated to the first team and could be partnered with Nicolas Seiwald and Brajan Gruda.

Willi Orban and Castello Lukeba have consistently been key players in Leipzig’s defense and are set to feature again.

Borussia Monchengladbach striker Tim Kleindienst faced problems with meniscus and knee injuries last season but is fit to participate on Saturday.

Wael Mohya and Robin Hack are viable options for the wide positions, while Philipp Sander and Kevin Stoger might play together in a dual midfield role.

RB Leipzig probable starting XI:

Vandevoordt; Baku, Orban, Lukeba, Raum; Gruda, Seiwald, Rivers; Bakayoko, Gomis, Nusa

Borussia Monchengladbach probable starting XI:

Nicolas; Hashioka, Itakura, Diks, Ullrich; Sander, Stoger; Mohya, Bolin, Hack; Kleindienst

Gladbach will face a series of challenges at the Red Bull Arena, while Leipzig will gain strength from their home support.

The hosts have a formidable record at their stadium and will be optimistic about commencing the new Bundesliga season with a victory.