This article is part of our Dream11 Fantasy Soccer series.
Game Preview
Mainz have the home-field advantage in this game, but that might be the only edge they have on paper ahead of a tough matchup against RB Leipzig, one of the main title challengers in the 2019-20 Bundesliga season. Even though Leipzig enter on a three-game draw streak, they are still on a seven-game undefeated run in the league (W2, D5). Mainz have lost just one of their last five (W1, D3, L1) and have gone undefeated in their last three (W1, D2), but that might not be enough to counter Leipzig. One of their biggest issues lies in defense, as they have averaged 2.11 goals conceded per game this term. That is not a promising stat against a Leipzig side that ranks third in goals scored with 63 (2.42 per game).
Recent Form
Mainz: W1, D3, L1
RB Leipzig: W2, D3
Team News
Mainz
OUT: Stefan Bell (ankle), Robin Zentner (knee)
Doubful: None
RB Leipzig
OUT: Ibrahima Konate (leg), Ethan Ampadu (back)
Doubtful: Emil Forsberg (mouth)
Expected Lineups
Mainz: Florian Muller; Moussa Niakhate, Jeremiah St. Juste, Aaron; Edimilson Fernandes, Ridle Baku, Jean-Paul Boetius, Pierre Kunde Malong; Robin Quaison; Ji Dong-Won, Karim Onisiwo
RB Leipzig: Peter Gulacsi; Marcel Halstenberg, Lukas Klostermann, Nordi Mukiele, Dayot Upamecano, Angelino; Kevin Kampl, Konrad Laimer, Christopher Nkunku; Yussuf Poulsen, Timo Werner
Top Picks
Timo Werner: Werner could not score last week against Freiburg,
Game Preview
Mainz have the home-field advantage in this game, but that might be the only edge they have on paper ahead of a tough matchup against RB Leipzig, one of the main title challengers in the 2019-20 Bundesliga season. Even though Leipzig enter on a three-game draw streak, they are still on a seven-game undefeated run in the league (W2, D5). Mainz have lost just one of their last five (W1, D3, L1) and have gone undefeated in their last three (W1, D2), but that might not be enough to counter Leipzig. One of their biggest issues lies in defense, as they have averaged 2.11 goals conceded per game this term. That is not a promising stat against a Leipzig side that ranks third in goals scored with 63 (2.42 per game).
Recent Form
Mainz: W1, D3, L1
RB Leipzig: W2, D3
Team News
Mainz
OUT: Stefan Bell (ankle), Robin Zentner (knee)
Doubful: None
RB Leipzig
OUT: Ibrahima Konate (leg), Ethan Ampadu (back)
Doubtful: Emil Forsberg (mouth)
Expected Lineups
Mainz: Florian Muller; Moussa Niakhate, Jeremiah St. Juste, Aaron; Edimilson Fernandes, Ridle Baku, Jean-Paul Boetius, Pierre Kunde Malong; Robin Quaison; Ji Dong-Won, Karim Onisiwo
RB Leipzig: Peter Gulacsi; Marcel Halstenberg, Lukas Klostermann, Nordi Mukiele, Dayot Upamecano, Angelino; Kevin Kampl, Konrad Laimer, Christopher Nkunku; Yussuf Poulsen, Timo Werner
Top Picks
Timo Werner: Werner could not score last week against Freiburg, but the Germany international remains Leipzig's main scoring threat, as he has 21 goals and seven assists in 26 Bundesliga outings. He is bound to score sooner than later, and he could take advantage of Mainz's poor defensive line that averages 2.11 goals conceded per game this term.
Christopher Nkunku: The former PSG midfielder has been thriving as a play-maker for Leipzig this season. Emil Forsberg is not likely to start, which means Nkunku should find himself in the lineup once again. He has 14 assists in 24 Bundesliga outings this season, ranking as one of the league leaders in that department.
Lineup Strategies
Load up on RB Leipzig: Leipzig are the better side by a wide margin and are likely to dominate possession. That's why it's smart to load up a big stack of RBL players in the lineup, regardless of the combination. Names such as Peter Gulacsi, Christopher Nkunku, Timo Werner and Yussuf Poulsen (if he starts) are the safest bets. Plus, Leipzig are coming off three straight draws at the league level. They are in dire need of a win, and that could force them to play with a more attacking approach.
Full-backs could be extremely valuable: Both sides need to win and, as if that wasn't enough, both sides tend to play wide often. That's why the likes of Angelino and Aaron Martin could have decent value, as long as they earn enough chances to move forward. Plus, Marcel Halstenberg is one of the first Leipzig players to move the ball out of the back, which could lead to a high number of passes.
Captain and Vice-Captain Options
Dream11 Team
GK – Peter Gulacsi
DF – Angelino
DF – Marcel Halstenberg
DF – Aaron
MF – Christopher Nkunku
MF – Jean-Paul Boetius
MF – Edimilson Fernandes
MF – Kevin Kampl
FW – Timo Werner (C)
FW – Robin Quaison (VC)
FW – Yussuf Poulsen
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are of the author and is not a reflection of the actual points you might earn.
