RB Leipzig and Aston Villa are gearing up for a Champions League showdown at Red Bull Arena this Tuesday, promising a clash of form and firepower.
Aston Villa are on a roll, with a streak of two consecutive victories that has propelled them to sixth position in the Premier League table with 25 points, just two behind Manchester City, fourth placed.
Under Unai Emery, Villa beat Southampton 1-0 at Villa Park on Saturday, securing their back-to-back victory in their 15th league game of the season.
On the other hand, RB Leipzig comes to this moment after a 2-0 victory against Holstein Kiel. Despite being outshot 11-5 in this match, Leipzig made the most of their opportunities, showing that they can get spin even under pressure.
STREAM: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa LIVE in the UK on Amazon Prime
The Sporting News examines the key highlights ahead of this matchup, adding how to watch the game, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Here we explain how to watch this Champions League in the United Kingdom:
TV channel: —Live streaming: Amazon Prime
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the country. Streaming options are available on Amazon Prime.
WATCH:Best of Champions League action LIVE in UK on Amazon Prime
This Champions League clash takes place at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany, and kicks off on Tuesday, December 10 at 9:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s what it was like across the UK:
Leipzig have a long injury list, including key playmaker Xavi Simons (ankle) and full-back David Raum (ankle). They will also miss Castello Lukeba, who is suspended and dealing with a thigh issue. Other absentees include El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Eljif Elmas, and Yussuf Poulsen.
Up front, Lois Openda aims to break his European goal drought, while Benjamin Sesko and Antonio Nusa provide strong alternatives. Sesko, in particular, has been in superb form, scoring for both club and country.
RB predicted XI (4-4-2, right to left): Gulacsi (GK) — Geertruida, Seiwald, Orban, Henrichs — Baumgartner, Haidara, Vermeeren, Nusa — Sesko, Openda
Injured: Xavi Simons, David Raum, El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Eljif Elmas, Yussuf PoulsenSanctioned: Castello Lukeba
Aston Villa will be Leon Bailey after suffering a hamstring injury in their recent win over Southampton. The winger will be out for a few weeks. Jacob Ramsey (hamstring) is also still sidelined, but Amadou Onana is back to full fitness after a foot injury.
In attack, Jhon Durán is expected to retain his position after an impressive passing streak, making six Premier League moves from outside the box since last season. Morgan Rogers, in excellent form with 18 successful dribbles and 10 open chances created in the Champions League, is in position to pass again.
Aston Villa predicted XI (4-2-3-1, left): Martínez (GK)—Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne—Kamara, Tielemans—Philogene, Rogers, McGinn—Watkins
Injured: Leon Bailey, Jacob Ramsey Suspended: None
RB Leipzig are yet to get their first Champions League win this season and have shown that they can challenge the European elite.
With Aston Villa struggling defensively and often faltering in away fixtures, the German side’s quality and depth give them the edge. Leipzig’s attacking firepower should be enough to secure a much-needed victory on home soil.
All BST
Tuesday, December 10
Wednesday, December 11
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Chirag Radhyan is a content producer working across The Sporting News’ English-language editions.