Predicted RB Leipzig XI vs Bochum – Can this Marco Rose side mount a Bundesliga title challenge?
RB Leipzig get their Bundesliga campaign underway at home against Bochum on Saturday afternoon, with Marco Rose’s side looking for an early convincing win as they look to mount a title challenge this season.
Dani Olmo is the only noticeable departure from the club this summer, joining Barcelona for €55m, but Leipzig’s recruitment team have done a remarkable job to secure the services of Xavi Simons for another season. The Dutchman shone in his maiden Bundesliga campaign last year with eight goals and 13 assists in 32 league games under Rose, and the 21-year-old will play an integral role again this season in Olmo’s absence.
Leipzig also did an excellent job to retain the services of Benjamin Šeško, who has scored in his last seven consecutive Bundesliga games, which aroused significant interest from Arsenal. The Slovenian, despite not scoring at Euro 2024, also impressed at the highest level, and will look to improve his partnership with Loïs Openda. The Belgian finished Leipzig’s top scorer last season with 29 goals in 46 games. The 24-year-old will be key to Leipzig’s attack, and should cause Bochum plentiful problems.
In Xaver Schlager’s absence, compatriot Kevin Kampl should start, while Leipzig’s defence almost picks itself. Should the Saxony club find themselves chasing a lead, they have have plentiful attacking talent with Christoph Baumgartner, Elif Elmas, Yussuf Poulsen, Andre Silva and summer arrival Nusa all options from the bench, but young prodigy Assan Ouedraogo is recovering from a knee operation.
Predicted RB Leipzig XI vs VfL Bochum
Péter Gulácsi – Mohamed Simakan, Willi Orban, Castello Lukeba, David Raum – Niclas Seiwald, Kevin Kampl – Amadou Haidara, Xavi Simons – Benjamin Šeško, Loïs Openda
