RB Leipzig - Augsburg

Christopher Nkunku remains the focal point for RB Leipzig as they look to bounce back from a midweek European defeat. The forward is expected to start in a dynamic attacking setup alongside Romulo Cruz, tasked with breaking down a resilient Augsburg side at the Red Bull Arena Leipzig. Leipzig have displayed ruthless form in the Bundesliga recently, notably putting four past Elversberg and securing a clean sheet in a two-goal victory over Schalke 04. With the creative influence of Antonio Nusa and Brajan Gruda in midfield, the hosts will aim to dictate the tempo early on matchday 9.

Augsburg arrive facing a defensive crisis, with Calvin Brackelmann and Noahkai Banks both sidelined through injury, while Juma Bah serves a suspension. The visitors have struggled for consistency, evidenced by a recent home loss to Freiburg and a high-scoring defeat at Elversberg. Michael Gregoritsch will lead the line, hoping to exploit any gaps in the Leipzig backline. Given their recent record of high-scoring draws against Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen, Augsburg have the capacity to disrupt, but they must tighten their structure to survive this challenging trip.