Werner predicts set pieces could decide Monchengladbach-Leipzig clash

RB Leipzig head coach Ole Werner believes set pieces could play a big part in their upcoming Bundesliga fixture against Borussia Monchengladbach.

Leipzig are second in the German top flight, six points behind leaders Bayern Munich after 12 games.

Since their 6-0 defeat to the reigning champions in their league opener, Leipzig have lost just once across all domestic matches (3-1 defeat to Hoffenheim).

Werner insisted that his Leipzig team must be cautious in possession to avoid counter-attacks, while also being wary of their counterpart’s set-piece threat.

“They have really solid patterns of play, as well as a clear style,” said Werner on Gladbach.

“They are extremely dangerous when they turn over the play and are also a threat from set pieces.

“They have a good structure in possession and look to find space before increasing the tempo. They are really strong from counter-attacks, they have a clear and clever way of being successful from them.

“The key will be to avoid too many mistakes in possession so we don’t give Gladbach the chance to break on us.

“We also need to carry a real threat in the final third, because they’ve defended extremely well in recent weeks. Set pieces – at both ends – will play a big part.”

After failing to win any of their first 11 Bundesliga games this season, Gladbach have bounced back with three victories in as many matches.

They cruised to a 3-0 win away to Heidenheim last time out, moving them up to 12th in the standings.

“I’m really pleased with the way we’ve been performing recently,” said head coach Eugen Polanski.

“We aren’t giving much up, we’re creating a lot of chances and making the most of a lot of those opportunities, too.

“The team spirit and the sense of togetherness are really positive at the moment, and so there’s a definite buzz around the club.

“I just have to make sure that we keep going in this direction, and I know what lies behind our recent success. We’ve worked hard to get to where we are, and we’re determined to keep giving it everything to improve.

“If we keep this approach up, then we’ll be in the perfect position to go even further.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Borussia Monchengladbach - Franck Honorat

Honorat has provided an assist in three consecutive Bundesliga games for the first time, equalling the club record since detailed data collection began in 2004-05, set by Alassane Plea in 2022.

Honorat averages 2.4 successful crosses per 90 minutes in this Bundesliga season, with only RB Leipzig's David Raum (2.6) and Union Berlin's Christopher Trimmel (3.1, min. 300 minutes played) bettering him across the league this season.

RB Leipzig – Assan Ouedraogo

Ouedraogo has scored two Bundesliga goals from long range, a joint-league high this season with Ilyas Ansah and Alejandro Grimaldo.

Since detailed data collection began in 2004-05, only one teenager has registered more goal involvements in their first eight Bundesliga starts than the 19-year-old (six; three goals, three assists): Erling Haaland in 2020 (seven).

MATCH PREDICTION: RB LEIPZIG WIN

Leipzig have won eight of their last ten Bundesliga games (D1 L1), conceding just seven goals in these matches – no team have conceded fewer (also Borussia Dortmund with seven).

Werner’s side have opened their Bundesliga season with 25 points from 11 games, their second-best start to a top-flight campaign. Only in their debut season in 2016-17 did they have more points at this stage (27).

Gladbach are currently on their longest winning streak in the league since the Foals won three in a row in June 2020 under Marco Rose.

Their last longer winning streak in the Bundesliga was in September-October 2019 (four).

They have won just four of their 18 Bundesliga matches against Leipzig (D4 L10), with all four victories coming at home. Gladbach have collected fewer points per Bundesliga match against Leipzig than against any other club (0.89).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Borussia Monchengladbach – 31.9%

Draw – 24.1%

RB Leipzig – 44%