Hotspur HQ
Fansided

Some good news, some bad for Tottenham’s first leg against RB Leipzig

By Gary Pearson

LEIPZIG, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 15: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Timo Werner of RB Leipzig looks on prior to the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and SV Werder Bremen at Red Bull Arena on February 15, 2020 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
LEIPZIG, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 15: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Timo Werner of RB Leipzig looks on prior to the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and SV Werder Bremen at Red Bull Arena on February 15, 2020 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

RB Leipzig have regained first position in the Bundesliga, but are enduring a run of mixed form in the lead up to the Champions League clash at Tottenham on Wednesday. 

Two wins in their last five matches has Leipzig clinging to a two point advantage atop the Bundesliga. However, Bayern Munich has a match in hand and will overtake Leipzig with a win in their next contest.

Timo Werner, who is second in Bundesliga scoring, hasn’t scored in four league matches. He last scored in a match against Union Berlin on Jan. 18, in which he bagged a brace. While Werner isn’t enjoying his best run of form, Leipzig’s most formidable attacking presence has the ability to score in bunches, something Tottenham will be weary of come Wednesday.

Even though Werner hasn’t scored in about a month domestically, he has 20 goals in 21 matches and is just two behind league leader Robert Lewandowski. The 23-year-old target man also has six assists, showing just how devastating a year he’s having.

Jose Mourinho will focus on blanketing Werner and nullifying his time and space. He can threaten from anywhere and has a knack for scoring in bunches. Mourinho spent time in Germany over the last couple of weeks scouting Werner and Leipzig, and will have a plan to combat their attacking threat. Toby Alderweireld will primarily be tasked with that responsibility.

Next. Predicted starting lineup for trip to Villa Park. dark

Prior to Leipzig’s mini slump, the Bundesliga leaders went 13 matches unbeaten in all competitions, a streak Spurs haven’t been able to emulate in over a year. But it is Leipzig’s maiden voyage into the Champions League knockout rounds, providing Spurs with an experiential advantage.

Some good news

Young American midfield sensation Tyler Adams is ruled out of the first leg due to a calf injury. He has taken the Bundesliga by storm, even after suffering an injury-plagued season. Adams, 20, will most likely be available for selection for the return leg on March 10 at Red Bull Stadium.

It’s almost impossible to evaluate who the favourite is going into the aggregate series, but Tottenham will need to gain a foothold before returning to Germany for the away leg if they are to move on to the quarterfinal.

Home/Tottenham News