Leipzig out to defend top spot

RB LEIPZIG are determined to defend their hardearned status as the new Bundesliga leaders with a win at Freiburg today to pile the pressure on faltering Bayern Munich.

Leipzig went top last Friday with a 3-2 win at Bayer Leverkusen, setting a new Bundesliga record in the process. No club has gone unbeaten in their first 11 German league games after promotion.

Leipzig are three points clear of second-placed Bayern, and can add extra pressure by going six points clear at Freiburg.

Bayern host Bayer Leverkusen tomorrow at Munich’s Allianz Arena looking to bounce back from straight defeats.

Bayern are set to host Leipzig on December 21 in what is shaping up to be a pre-Christmas showdown.

One big factor in Leipzig’s favour this season is that, having exited the German Cup in the first round, they are only involved in the Bundesliga.

In contrast, Bayern are busy with the Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup.

Freiburg are no pushovers at their Schwarzwald Stadium, winning four of their five home games this season.

Leipzig will be without ex-Germany defender Marvin Compper, who has an ankle injury, with Greece’s Kyriakos Papadopoulos or wingback Stefan Ilsanker to deputise.

Austria forward Marcel Sabitzer (head injury) and Guinea midfielder Naby Keita (foot problems) are also out. – AFP