RB Leipzig vs Sporting CP: betting odds January 22, 2025

Matchday 7 of the 2024/25 Champions League group stage sees RB Leipzig (Germany) face Sporting CP (Portugal) on January 22 at the Red Bull Arena. Leipzig vs. Sporting: prediction and betting odds, statistics.

Referee: Manfredas Lukjancukas (Lithuania)

Matches – 8 (International matches, 2024/25);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 30;

Average yellow cards per match – 3.7;

Red cards shown – 3;

Average fouls per match – 22;

Penalties – 38%.

Predicted lineups for RB Leipzig vs. Sporting CP

RB Leipzig (3-4-1-2): Peter Gulacsi – Lutsharel Geertruida, Willi Orban, Lukas Klostermann – David Raum, Kevin Kampl, Arthur Vermeeren, Bote Baku – Xavi Simons – Benjamin Sesko, Lois Openda.

Sporting CP (4-4-2): Franco Israel – Giovane Kenda, Goncalo Inacio, Ousmane Diomande, Jeremiah St. Juste – Maximiliano Araujo, Morten Hjulmand, João Simões, Geny Catamo – Viktor Gyökeres, Francisco Trincão.

RB Leipzig

In the previous round, Marco Rose's team lost at home to Aston Villa (2-3). The club has disappointed its fans in this year's Champions League campaign, losing all six of their group stage matches. Leipzig is currently in 34th place in the standings and has no chance of advancing to the playoffs.

• The club has not scored more than one goal in 6 of their last 8 matches in this tournament.
• Leipzig conceded first in their last four Champions League games.
• The Germans have conceded in the first 45 minutes in their last four matches in this tournament.

Sporting CP

In the previous round, the team lost to Club Brugge (1-2). Sporting has now lost two consecutive matches in the Champions League, although they were performing confidently before, winning three and drawing one in the first four rounds. The team is in 17th place in the standings, trailing their nearest top-8 competitor by three points, while also being three points ahead of 25th place. Notably, Sporting has conceded only three goals in away matches in this year's Champions League, with only four teams boasting better records.

• The club has not scored more than one goal in 4 of their last 5 away matches in this tournament.
• Both teams scored in 4 of Sporting's last 5 away matches in the Champions League.
• No more than three goals have been scored in 4 of the team's previous away games in this tournament.

RB Leipzig vs. Sporting CP: Match Prediction

Leipzig has had a disappointing European season, losing all six of their group stage matches in the Champions League. Marco Rose's side failed to earn points even against modest Celtic (1-3). The poor defensive performance is a key reason for these unsuccessful results, with the team conceding 13 goals in 6 matches in this tournament. Additionally, Leipzig has no chance of advancing to the playoffs and is unlikely to play with full commitment in the remaining Champions League matches.

Meanwhile, the Portuguese side has performed well in this tournament. Sporting has not lost in 4 of their last 6 Champions League matches (3 wins, 1 draw). During this period, the club secured maximum points against opponents like Lille (2-0) and Manchester City (4-1). Furthermore, the team still has a chance to advance to the next stage of the tournament, so it's crucial for Sporting to win the remaining matches.

I expect the Portuguese team to earn points against an unmotivated opponent. My prediction: Sporting to win or draw