Bundesliga September 13 Preview: RB Leipzig vs Hamburg & Elversberg vs Bayern Munich | Predictions
Bundesliga Matchday 3 continues on September 13 with two high-interest fixtures. RB Leipzig host Hamburg at the Red Bull Arena, while defending champions Bayern Munich travel to face surprise newcomers Elversberg.
For Indian football fans, Leipzig vs Hamburg kicks off at 7:00 PM IST, followed by Elversberg vs Bayern at 9:00 PM IST.
RB Leipzig vs Hamburg
RB Leipzig enter this match as clear favourites, particularly after showing strong attacking numbers in the opening two rounds.
Martín Demichelis' side have registered 42 shots and an xG of 6.2, both the highest figures in the Bundesliga heading into Matchday 3. Christopher Nkunku is still searching for his first goal since returning to Leipzig, despite already attempting six shots.
The latest probable line-up has Nkunku leading the attack alongside Brajan Gruda and Antonio Nusa, with David Raum providing another attacking threat from the left.
Hamburg, meanwhile, have endured a difficult start. They have lost both league matches and currently sit on zero points with a -7 goal difference — their worst-ever start to a Bundesliga season.
Patson Daka gives Hamburg pace on the counter, but their defensive problems could be difficult to hide against Leipzig's high-volume attack.
Prediction: RB Leipzig 3-0 Hamburg
Match Tip: RB Leipzig to win
Elversberg vs Bayern Munich
This is arguably one of the most interesting Bundesliga fixtures of the weekend.
Elversberg are playing in the Bundesliga for the first time in club history, but they have made a remarkable start. Vincent Wagner's side shocked Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 on Matchday 1, before coming from 3-1 down to beat Borussia Mönchengladbach 4-3.
A third straight victory would put Elversberg into a very exclusive group. Only Cologne, Schalke and Hansa Rostock have previously won the first three Bundesliga matches in their club history.
Bayern, however, represent a completely different level of challenge.
Vincent Kompany's side are chasing a third consecutive Bundesliga title after winning both the league and DFB Cup last season. Their attacking quality remains formidable, with Harry Kane expected to start alongside Michael Olise, Luis Díaz and Ismael Saibari.
Bayern dropped points in their previous league match, making this an important opportunity to respond. Elversberg's fearless attacking approach could create chances, but it may also leave space for Bayern's forwards to exploit.
The newcomers deserve respect after their perfect start, but Bayern's squad quality and experience should ultimately make the difference.
Prediction: Elversberg 1-3 Bayern Munich
Match Tip: Bayern Munich to win
Final Verdict
Leipzig should have the upper hand against a Hamburg side struggling defensively, while Bayern face the more intriguing test against an Elversberg team playing with huge confidence.
For Indian readers, the second match is the standout fixture: the defending Bundesliga champions against a newly promoted side that has won both of its opening matches.
Best Picks: RB Leipzig to win | Bayern Munich to win