RB Leipzig vs Hertha Berlin Preview: How to Watch on TV, Live Stream, Kick Off Time & Team News
RB Leipzig head into Wednesday's clash against Hertha Berlin third in the Bundesliga and looking to close the gap between themselves and Borussia Dortmund in second.
Seven points is all that separates Leipzig from league leaders Bayern Munich, though Leipzig know they have the chance to gain ground on at least one of the BuLi's current top two as they face each other in Der Klassiker on Tuesday.
Hertha, who have been invested in considerably over the past year, are looking to build on their recent successes and push toward Europa League contention.
The Berliners currently lie in a disappointing 11th place but just five points separate them from the Europa League spots. Matheus Cunha's recent spike in form has been great news as Hertha aim to push up into the top half of the table, with the 20-year-old forward looking to prove himself against the side who sold him back in January.
Timo Werner was back among the goals at the weekend after a four-game drought in all competitions, bagging a hat trick in his side's 5-0 drubbing of Mainz to bring his goal tally to 30 for the season.
Where to Watch?
When Is Kick Off?: Wednesday 27 May
What Time Is Kick Off?: 17:30 (BST)
Where Is it Played?: Red Bull Arena
TV Channel/Live Stream?: BT Sport (UK), Fubo.tv (US)
Team News
Ibrahima Konate is out indefinitely with a hamstring injury, while Konrad Laimer is doubtful with a knee problem picked up in the victory over Mainz. Swedish midfielder Emil Forsberg is recovering from tonsillitis and unlikely to feature.
For Hertha, centre backs Karim Rekik and Niklas Stark are doubtful with knee and groin injuries respectfully. Defensive midfielder Santiago Ascacibar and winger Marius Wolf are also out indefinitely.
Veteran Salomon Kalou remains suspended by the club for posting videos of himself breaching social distancing rules with teammates. It is unclear when the former Chelsea man will return to action.
Predicted Lineups
RB Leipzig: Gulacsi; Mukiele, Klostermann, Upamecano, Angelino; Olmo, Kampl, Sabitzer, Nkunku; Poulsen, Werner.
Hertha Berlin: Jarstein; Pekarik, Torunarigha, Plattenhardt; Skjelbred, Grujic; Lukebakio, Darida, Cunha; Ibisevic.
Head to Head Record
Over the past few years, Leipzig have dominated Hertha. In their last four meetings, Die Rotten Bullen have won by more than two goals in each fixture, firmly establishing themselves as the superior force between the two sides.
Die Alte Dame last mustered a victory in this tie in December 2017, winning 3-2. Since then, Leipzig have run riot against the Berliners, winning 6-2, 3-0, 5-0 and most recently a 4-2 triumph in the capital back at the start of November.
Recent Form
After a series of draws in the league which saw them slide down the pecking order, Leipzig restored some confidence with their assertive display against Mainz. Julian Nagelsmann switched to a back four, allowing for more structured attacking play and it paid off.
With just two wins in their last five Bundesliga matches, the other three being draws, Die Rotten Bullen will look to press on and secure Champions League qualification.
Hertha have drifted around the lower half of the table for the most part of the season. Now with a new manager in Bruno Labbadia, Die Alte Dame look somewhat re-energised since returning to the league.
Labbadia's 4-2-3-1 set-up has seen Hertha net seven goals in two league matches, with former Leipzig man Cunha impressing in particular. He's scored in four consecutive Bundesliga matches, including a magical solo effort against Hoffenheim on matchday 26.
Here's a look at the two sides' last five outings.
RB Leipzig
Mainz 0-5 RB Leipzig (24/5)
RB Leipzig 1-1 Freiburg (16/5)
Wolfsburg 0-0 RB Leipzig (7/3)
RB Leipzig 1-1 Bayer Leverkusen (1/3)
Schalke 0-5 RB Leipzig (22/2)
Hertha Berlin
Hertha Berlin 4-0 Union Berlin (22/5)
Hoffenheim 0-3 Hertha Berlin (16/5)
Hertha Berlin 2-2 Werder Bremen (7/3)
Fortuna Dusseldorf 3-3 Hertha Berlin (28/2)
Hertha Berlin 0-5 Koln (22/2)
Prediction
Both sides will approach the match with a certain confidence. Hertha, with their new manager, look to be heading in the right direction, while Leipzig shook off their Bundesliga cobwebs with a commanding victory in their last fixture.
However, Leipzig are firm favourites to continue their run of impressive victories against Hertha. They need a victory to maintain an outside shot at the Bundesliga title, and they should get it here.
Prediction: RB Leipzig 3-1 Hertha Berlin