RB Leipzig vs Bayern Munich Prediction & Betting Tips (17 January)

Deprived of Europe this season, RB Leipzig therefore only has the championship and the Cup to play, which allows it to be able to prepare and concentrate all its forces on this Bundesliga. For the moment, this is working well for this team which is at the top of the table, on the 3rd step of the podium, 4 points behind the 2nd place occupied by Dortmund who has one more match. However, the title seems unthinkable for RasenBall Sport which is significantly behind by 15 units on the leader who is none other than its opponent of the day. Clumsy before the winter break, the Red Bulls had lost quite big, losing in quick succession against Union Berlin 3-1 and against Bayer Leverkusen 1-3. After seeing their planned match against Sankt Pauli postponed last weekend, the Leipzig players negotiated their return to competition rather well by defeating Freiburg on Wednesday evening 2-0. Opposite, Bayern Munich continues its solo at the top of the Bundesliga standings.

Absolutely untouchable, Vincent Kompany's men have already created a gap of 11 points with their first competitor, Borussia Dortmund, which it seems impossible to fill. Consequently, the Munich residents seem to be heading towards a new German champion title. Especially since they are off to a very strong start this new year 2026. Indeed, the Bavarians defeated Wolfsburg 8-1 last weekend. And on Wednesday evening, after being picked up cold by Cologne, they were able to come back to equalize and finally turn things around to secure a 15th victory in 17 days. 

There are still several absences to deplore from RB Leipzig for this shock. Indeed, the long-term injured Gebel and Henrichs, the former defender manager Klostermann and important winger Bakayoko (2 goals) are still not back in the squad and they are continuing their convalescence. In recent weeks, midfielder Haïdara signed up with RC Lens while Slovenian Kampl decided to end his contract following a family death. Eliminated from the CAN with Ivory Coast last weekend, the young Ivorian winger Diomandé (6 goals) came into play on Wednesday evening. The excellent Austrian Baumgarnter (6 goals, 6 assists) will also be in the game, as will Brazilian striker Romulo (5 goals, 3 assists). decisive) who found his way to goal against Friborg on Wednesday evening.

On the Bavarian side, Senegalese striker Jackson (3 goals) will play in the CAN final this Sunday and he is therefore not part of the group which will travel to the Red Bull Arena. To this we add that the long-term absentee duration Musiala, the very experienced midfielder Kimmich and the often holder Stanisic are currently on the flank. Too often injured Alphonso Davies and the French full-back Boey also missed Wednesday's match and they remain uncertain this weekend unlike the precious Gnabry (5 goals, 3 assists in the Bundesliga) who scored this week in Cologne. A priori, we should find at the forefront the excellent Harry Kane (20 goals, 4 assists) while the Colombian Luiz Diaz (9 goals, 9 assists) and Tricolore Olise (9 goals, 10 assists) remain safe values on the wings. Also watch out for the nugget Lennart Karl (4 goals, 2 assists). 

• Summary: RB Leipzig is going head to head with FC Bayern München starting on 17 Jan 2026 at 17:30 UTC at Red Bull Arena stadium, Leipzig city, Germany. The match is a part of the Bundesliga .
• Referee: Sascha Stegemann
• RB Leipzig Feedinco Rating: 6.98
• Bayern Munich Feedinco Rating: 7.15