Europa League Group B leaders RB Salzburg host RB Leipzig on Thursday night in a battle of the Red Bull owned clubs. Salzburg won their matchday 1 meeting, 3-2, thanks to an 89th minute goal from Fredrik Gulbrandsen.
Salzburg are in the driver’s seat in the group and a win or draw would see them qualify for the next round. Leipzig are level on points with Celtic and need a win to keep their chances of knockout stage qualification alive. The German club will travel to Celtic on the final matchday in what could be a winner take all fixture.
Despite trailing Salzburg by six points in the table, Leipzig are the bookies’ favourite to win. Leipzig lost to German Bundesliga rivals Wolfsburg at the weekend, 1-0. It was their second loss in three matches in all competitions. Their most recent Europa League fixture against Celtic ended in a disappointing 2-1 defeat.
Salzburg are extremely underrated by many experts and fans. Despite playing in the Austrian Bundesliga, manager Marco Rose has the team playing great football. Salzburg were one goal away from the Europa League final last season and they have carried over their form into this term. Rose has seen his side go undefeated in all competitions and his managerial prowess is leading to links with bigger clubs. There is a good chance he will make the jump to Germany next season although it won’t be with Leipzig, who have already appointed a new manager to take over next summer.
Rose’s team has attacked freely during the Europa League scoring at least three goals in their opening three matches. Salzburg have an improving record against German opposition with four wins, three draws, and four losses obtained in 11 all-time meetings. Playing at home Salzburg have recorded two wins, two draws, and just one loss. Their last four home games against German clubs has seen them go undefeated. Moreover, Salzburg’s defence against German teams has been brilliant recording four consecutive clean sheets.
Leipzig have played a number of games already this season. They had to play in the Europa League qualify phase which could result in tired legs as the season progresses. Leipzig will be without creative midfielder Emil Forsberg for the fixture due to injury. The talismanic player missed the team’s losses to Celtic and Wolfsburg. He will be a big miss as will Kevin Kampl, who will also sit out the fixture.
Salzburg are flying high and a point will see them qualify for the next round. Leipzig need to bear down and recover the form that has recently eluded them. With both clubs needing a point, Thursday night’s match in Austria will finish in a draw and Salzburg will achieve progression once again to the knockout phase.