Borussia Mönchengladbach vs RB Leipzig preview: Foals eye fourth straight league win

Borussia Mönchengladbach are aiming for their fourth Bundesliga win in a row as they face high-flying RB Leipzig.

Borussia Mönchengladbach

Eugen Pokanski has overseen a huge turnaround as head coach of Borussia Mönchengladbach in recent weeks. 

A month ago, they were reeling from a 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich and sitting in the relegation zone; now, they enter Friday night’s clash against RB Leipzig in search of a fourth straight Bundesliga victory.

Gladbach’s attacking output has surged, with Die Fohlenelf scoring 13 goals across their last four matches – more than they managed in their opening nine league games combined. 

However, injuries remain a frustrating constant. Key defensive and attacking figures are still missing, and the squad depth will be tested against one of the league’s top contenders.

Team news
Fabio Cristian Chiarodia remains sidelined with a long-term thigh injury, while Nathan Ngoumou (Achilles) and Jonas Omlin (muscle) are also unavailable. 

Philipp Sander – who scored against rivals Köln before the break – missed last weekend’s win over Heidenheim with a muscle issue and is a doubt again.

Star striker Tim Kleindienst is still waiting to return after spending multiple months on the sidelines.

Predicted lineup – 3-4-2-1: Nicolas – Scally, Elvedi, Diks – Castrop, Reitz, Engelhardt, Ullrich – Honorat, Neuhaus – Tabakovic

RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig have taken eight wins from their opening 11 Bundesliga fixtures, with their absence from European competition gives them a rare advantage when it comes to a lighter schedule.

Their only recent setback – a surprising defeat to Hoffenheim before the international break – was swiftly corrected with a composed 2-0 win over Werder Bremen last weekend.

Injuries, however, are beginning to bite at a tricky moment, with several defensive and midfield doubts clouding Werner’s preparation.

Team news
El Chadaille Bitshiabu remains a doubt after missing the Bremen win with a muscle injury. 

Benjamin Henrichs continues to recover from an Achilles issue and is not expected back until mid-to-late January. 

Assan Ouedraogo impressed in Leipzig’s last outing after netting his first goal for Germany, but is set to miss out with a hamstring injury.

Predicted lineup – 4-3-3: Gulacsi – Baku, Orban, Lukeba, Raum – Schlager, Seiwald, Baumgartner – Diomande, Harder, Nusa