RB Leipzig vs Lyon Predictions

RB Leipzig host Lyon this Wednesday in their second group stage fixture of the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League. Leipzig got their campaign off to a flying start in their opening fixture with a 2-1 win away to Benfica. They currently sit at the top of their group. They will be hoping to put another 3 points on the board this week as they take on Lyon. 

Wednesday’s visitors to the Red Bull Arena, Lyon are currently enduring a spell of poor form. They are winless in their last 7 games in all competitions. This includes their opening Champions League fixture vs Zenit, which they drew 1-1. 

Lyon’s unimpressive start to the 2019/20 season leaves them in 11th place in Ligue 1. Their poor start also leaves new manager Sylvinho with a win% of just 22.22% from his first 9 games. Contrastingly, new RB Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann has got a 75% win% from his first 8 games. 

Lyon’s biggest issue at present under Sylvinho is in the creativity department. It is clear that Sylvinho’s side are feeling the loss of both Nabil Fekir and Tanguy Ndombele. These two midfielders contributed 16 assists in Ligue 1 and the Champions League last season. 

Lyon’s most creative player at present is new signing Thiago Mendes. Mendes has contributed a total of 3 assists in all competitions so far this season. Leipzig’s top creator has been marcel Sabitzer, who has 4 assists in all competitions. Leipzig have also played 2 less games than Lyon. 

Lyon’s lack of creativity was evident when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home vs Zenit. They were a side lacking in ideas in their opening Champions League game. Their only goal in the game came from a Memphis Depay penalty. 

Lyon and Leipzig have both scored 14 goals in their respective domestic leagues. Lyon however, are outperforming their expected goals ratio (xG) by a concerning 5.36 goals. 

This statistic indicates that Lyon’s goals are largely coming due to individual skill, rather than good chance creation. This is not sustainable and could hurt them versus a quality Leipzig side. 

Lyon will struggle to create clear-cut chances this Wednesday. We feel that Leipzig are likely to win this game to-nil. 

As well as being winless in their last 7 games, Lyon are winless in their last 8 Champions League games. We feel that Leipzig will secure all 3 points at home this Wednesday. 

Lyon have not conceded more than twice in a game this season. We feel that a 2-0 win for Leipzig is a likely result of this game.