European football preview: RB Leipzig host Bayer Leverkusen in second vs third Bundesliga battle, while Marseille entertain Rennes in Ligue 1

Just like in England, this weekend will be vital for clubs abroad battling it out for a Champions League berth through their respective domestic leagues. And on Saturday there is a fixture in France and Germany which could shake things up at the top.

In Germany, two of the Bundesliga’s biggest clubs clash as Julian Nagelsmann’s RB Leipzig take on Bayern Leverkusen (5.30pm GMT kick-off). Leipzig, who currently sit in second, will look to bounce back from last week’s 3-2 defeat by Mainz which saw them fall seven points behind league leaders Bayern Munich. 

They will face Peter Bosz’s Leverkusen who were unbeaten in 11 and topped the league before losing to 2-1 at home to Bayern Munich on December 19. The winter break hasn’t helped Bayer’s cause as two wins from six matches has seen seen Die Werkself fall to third.

With both teams suffering from slight dips in form a victory this Saturday will be the perfect way to cement their position in the top four and maybe rekindle a title push. 

Leipzig will be without a few key names such as Ibrahima Konate, Yussuf Poulsen and new signing Dominik Szoboszlai – with all three not expected to return until February. 

Meanwhile, Leverkusen will be without Patrick Schick who is suffering with a knock, but new arrival Timothy Fosu-Mensah will be available after featuring against Wolfsburg.

Saturday’s tie is destined to entertain with two attacking coaches and some of Europe’s best talent on show.

Then later that evening there should be a cracker in the south of France as sixth-placed Marseille take on Julien Stephan’s Rennes who currently occupy fifth in Ligue 1 (8pm GMT kick-off).

Marseille are winless in five top-flight matches – a run which has seen them drop out of the Champions League places. Despite taking an early lead at Monaco on January 23, they eventually fell to a 3-1 defeat – their fourth-straight league loss.

Andre Villas-Boas’ side will face another difficult task this week as they face Rennes, who have developed a talented young squad over the past few years. After finishing third last season, due to Ligue 1 being cancelled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Rennes have established themselves as a side that will fight for European football every season. Only one defeat in eight has left Stephan’s side just seven points off the Champions League places.

Saturday’s fixture will see a lot of talent on the pitch with Eduardo Camavinga, Jeremy Doku (both Rennes) and former Newcastle midfielder Florian Thauvin (Marseille) all expected to start. 

This is one fixture you do not want to miss.

By Bryce Densham