Champions League: Can Red Devils Stop Soaring Red Bulls?

Manchester United vs RB Leipzig

Manchester United and RB Leipzig meet for the first time in the Champions League with top spot in Group H up for grabs.

Both the Red Devils and the Red Bulls are coming off impressive wins in their opening group games, but it’s Leipzig who have looked much better in the early part of the season.

Manchester United have been struggling at home of late, which gives Julian Nagelsmann’s men a great opportunity to defy the Champions League 2020 betting odds and leave Old Trafford with a famous win.

Talking Points

Man United having trouble at Old Trafford

Manchester United have forgotten how to win at home. After disappointing defeats to Crystal Palace (1-3) and Tottenham (1-6), the Red Devils have now gone three games without victory at Old Trafford this season — and five games dating back to last season — following their goalless draw against Chelsea over the weekend.

United were on the front foot for most of the match against a suddenly conservative Chelsea side, but they once again struggled to break down a defence that was content to sit back against them.

This problem has plagued them throughout Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time in charge. They remain at their best when they go up against a team that will play more openly and leave themselves vulnerable to United’s counterattack. They proved that once again when they defeated Paris Saint-Germain 1-2 away in their first group assignment.

United played a three-man defence against PSG with captain Harry Maguire out due to injury. Maguire is fit and set to play, but Solskjaer could still decide to return to the back three against a dangerous Leipzig side.

opacity 0

CLICK HERE
TO SEE UPDATED ODDS

UEFA – Champions League

Solskjaer has also started the midfield two of Scott McTominay and Fred for the last three games over Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, and Donny van de Beek. This will be United’s fourth game in the last 11 days, though, so he may be forced to rotate his side.

Meanwhile, Anthony Martial is expected to start once again after missing the Chelsea match due to suspension. He and Rashford will be major threats to create some Champions League 2020 highlights on the break.

Edinson Cavani will also be available off the bench after making his United debut against Chelsea. The 33-year-old is an immensely experienced striker with 35 goals in 62 career Champions League games.

Red Bulls in impressive form

RB Leipzig are one of the most in-form teams in Europe at the moment. The Germans are currently leading the Bundesliga with four wins in their first five matches and are undefeated in their six matches overall.

Leipzig don’t seem to be missing star striker Timo Werner, who left for Chelsea in the summer. On-loan Manchester City wing-back Angeliño has surprisingly taken over as Leipzig’s top scorer in Werner’s absence. The Spaniard has scored four goals in his last four games, including both goals in their 2-0 Champions League win over Basaksehir last week.

Coach Julian Nagelsmann didn’t start Yussuf Poulsen and Dani Olmo in their weekend win over Hertha Berlin, but both are expected to return to the first XI against United.

However, Leipzig lost Nordi Mukiele due to injury during that match. Mukiele had been starting in place of the injured Lukas Klostermann, and his likely absence now leaves Leipzig short at right-back.

United at their most dangerous with Rashford and Martial combining down that left wing, so it’s crucial for Nagelsmann to shore up that side of the pitch. Centre-back Dayot Upamecano, who was linked with a move to United over the summer, will have to take on some added responsibility in defence amid all their injuries.

Captain Marcel Sabitzer replaced Mukiele, but it remains to be seen whether he will be ready to start after he himself just came back from a lengthy injury layoff. American midfielder Tyler Adams is also a potential candidate to fill in as an emergency right-back.

Yussuf Poulsen to start for RB Leipzig against Manchester United in the Champions League — RB Leipzig’s Yussuf Poulsen celebrates scoring their second goal against FC Augsburg

History

This will be the first competitive meeting between Manchester United and RB Leipzig. Although, United have a lengthy history with German opposition in the Champions League. They’ve faced German clubs 31 times, winning 15 with eight draws and eight defeats.

Their last meeting with a Bundesliga side came back in 2015 against Wolfsburg. The home side won both of their group stage games.

As for Leipzig, their only history against English opposition came in last year’s competition. They beat Tottenham in both legs of their round-of-16 tie and won 4-0 on aggregate.

Betting Tip

	Manchester United vs RB Leipzig	Manchester United 1X2 @ 2.26
	October 29, 04:00 (GMT+8)

SBOTOP odds for this match are relatively even. As the home side, Manchester United are slightly favoured at 2.26, while Leipzig are priced at 3.05. A draw is 3.35.

While Leipzig are undoubtedly the form team and United have had their problems at home, don’t discount the Red Devils in this match. This matchup might actually be to their advantage since they can allow Leipzig to dominate possession and hit them quickly on the counter.

The fact that Leipzig won’t have a natural right-back available to face Rashford and Martial is another advantage for United, who are worth a punt at 2.26 at home.