Despite RB Leipzig being out of the running to make the top 24 in the group stage of the Champions League, they will undoubtedly aim to end their European campaign on a high note. At home against an aggressive Sporting side, the German side will employ their usual style with a high pressing line.
Coming into the January Champions League matches, Leipzig have yet to earn a point from their six previous matches—a record matching the likes of Young Boys and Slovan Bratislava. Against Aston Villa (2:3), they played well enough for at least a draw (2.23–2.14 in xG). It is important to note that after a long injury layoff, their primary playmaker, Xavi Simons, has returned to Leipzig, contributing to their tally of eight goals in the last three Bundesliga matches (all of which went over 2.5 goals).
Parting ways with Ruben Amorim almost derailed Sporting CP, but the appointment of Rui Borges stabilised the situation. Last Saturday, the team comfortably dispatched Rio Ave in the Primeira Liga (3:0), creating 3.97 xG and taking 29 shots over 90 minutes. In that match, their leading forward, Viktor Gyökeres, scored once again—the Swede is currently among the top 10 scorers in the Champions League (5+0), so he will be highly motivated for the upcoming performances.
In six Champions League matches, Leipzig have seen the total over 2.5 four times. Sporting, on the other hand, are keen on securing victory in Germany—anything less than three points would complicate their position in the standings. Therefore, we expect open football with goals in a clash between two attacking teams.
