Preview: RB Leipzig vs. Hertha Berlin - prediction, team news, lineups

RB Leipzig will be looking to kick start their season on Saturday when they welcome Hertha Berlin to the Red Bull Arena in the weekend's Bundesliga action.

Last year's runners-up have managed just one win so far, whilst the visitors have come alive after back-to-back wins since returning from the international break.

Match preview

© Reuters

Manager Jesse Marsch continues to struggle to adjust to life in charge of the club at the 'top' of the Red Bull group pyramid in Leipzig.

The American has managed just one win in his opening five league matches in charge, which sees his side sit in 12th place in the table - Leipzig's worst start to a Bundesliga campaign.

There was always going to be a transition period required for the new manager, as well as an adjustment to losing several key players in the summer transfer window, but more will be expected of the supposed title-challengers.

After three defeats in a row either side of the international break, Die Roten Bullen did at least halt that run last weekend when they visited high-flying FC Koln.

As usual, Leipzig looked threatening in the final third and put their opponent's goal under plenty of pressure.

However, their problems in the new campaign so far have been at the other end of the pitch - as their new-look defence continued to look shaky and leak plenty of chances for Koln.

After falling behind early in the second half, Amadou Haidara was the unlikely scorer of the equaliser for Leipzig, in a 1-1 draw where Dominik Szoboszlai showed his class in midfield.

© Reuters

As for the visitors, they have already begun their mini revival, something that their hosts at the weekend will be craving for.

After losing all three of their opening league matches, Hertha have recorded back-to-back victories over the newly promoted sides since returning to action after the international break.

Despite relatively high levels of investment in the playing squad in recent years, the Berlin club have finished in the bottom half of the table in each of the last four campaigns.

Last season saw Hertha come their closest yet to a devastating relegation from the top flight of German football, when they finished just two points above the relegation playoff place.

However, as mentioned above, manager Pal Dardai will be hoping his side have turned a corner in the last couple of weeks.

Although the performances have been far from perfect, the Hungarian will look to build on the important victories over VfL Bochum and Greuther Furth, as well as continuing their return to goalscoring form.

Team News

© Reuters

For the hosts, problems in their new-look defence continue partially due to injuries persisting in those areas.

Marcel Halstenberg is yet to feature this season and remains unavailable on Saturday, so summer recruit Josko Gvardiol should continue to deputise in his place.

In the other full-back area, Lukas Klostermann is a doubt due to a thigh injury, so Nordi Mukiele is expected to replace him in the starting lineup.

Fellow full-back Marcelo Saracchi has also failed to play so far this campaign and has been ruled out again with his knee injury.

Meanwhile, Hertha have plenty of injury concerns to contend with ahead of the trip to Leipzig at the weekend.

The biggest of those concerns is the injury to captain Dedryck Boyata, who will miss out through a hamstring injury.

He will be joined on the absentees list by Lukas Klunter, Myziane Maolida and Jordan Torunarigha, with forwards Stevan Jovetic and Krzysztof Piatek also expected to miss out as they continue to work their way back from injuries as well.

Midfielder Jurgen Ekkelenkamp came off the bench to score the equaliser within a minute of his arrival against Greuther last weekend so may earn a place in the starting lineup as a result.

RB Leipzig possible starting lineup:
Gulacsi; Mukiele, Simakan, Orban, Gvardiol; Kampl, Haidara; Nkunku, Forsberg, Szoboszlai; Silva

Hertha Berlin possible starting lineup:
Schwolow; Zeefuik, Stark, Dardai, Plattenhardt; Tousart, Ekkelenkamp; Richter, Darida, Serdar; Belfodil

We say: RB Leipzig 2-1 Hertha Berlin

Home advantage may prove important for this struggling Leipzig side at the weekend. They are far from their best at the moment but they should have enough quality to see off Hertha, with us predicting a narrow victory for the hosts.