Bayern v Leipzig: Munich look to bury two draws as RB face away-day test

Bayern host Leipzig this Saturday, 17 October, at the Allianz Arena with a relative but real sense of urgency: they need to get back to winning ways. After a 2–2 draw with Augsburg and then a 3–3 in Europe against Viking, the Munich side must rediscover their control. The Bundesliga matchday 6 fixture kicks off at 16:30 UTC, which is 17:30 in Brazzaville.

Bayern must stop chasing the game

The last two outings share a worrying trait: Bayern conceded first. It would be excessive to sum up the whole Bavarian defence through those two scenarios, but the repetition deserves an answer. Coming from behind drains energy and risks forcing a team to attack in a hurry.

With 11 points after five matchdays, Bayern retain a solid base of results. Their opponents have 9. Leipzig could therefore overtake them with a win: the fixture can change the picture in the table, even though it still comes early in the season.

Our analysis is that Munich must first cut out avoidable gifts. Creating chances is not enough if the opposition's first transitions become dangerous. The balance between attacking ambition and protecting the space left behind the ball will be a more serious test than possession alone.

Leipzig must take their efficiency on the road

Leipzig come off two home wins, 6–0 against Frankfurt and then 1–0 against PSV in Europe. The sequence pairs a very comfortable success with a tighter victory: two reasons to gain confidence, but no guarantee for the trip to Bavaria.

Away form remains the area to improve. So far, Leipzig have lost their away games this season, with the exception of the Cup tie won at Trier in August. That gap between their results at home and away from their base makes this a particularly instructive test. RB must show they can keep a solid structure when the crowd, the tempo and the initiative belong more to the opposition.

Two Morocco internationals, selections still open

The presence of Ismael Saibari in the Bayern squad and Neil El Aynaoui in Leipzig's adds the possibility of a Moroccan face-off. The former joined Munich this summer; the latter arrived on loan from Roma. Whether they play will depend on the coaches' choices.

Bayern are without Jamal Musiala, who has a hamstring injury. Manuel Neuer remains doubtful with a foot problem. On Leipzig's side, Assan Ouédraogo and Marc Guiu are missing. These absences matter, without explaining in advance everything that will happen on the pitch: the available players will also have to show how well they react in the weaker spells and how disciplined they are in phases without the ball.