Como have a stronger side than Leipzig, a better manager and home advantage. Everything points to a home win in Italy.
Key Stats
- Como have won 5 of their last 6 matches.
- Leipzig have lost by 2+ goals in their last 3 away matches (Bundesliga).
Como on Fire under Fabregas
Como have been big improvers in Serie A, finishing fourth to earn a spot in the Champions League for the first time.
Cesc Fabregas’ side have played all three games on the road this season, a 1-1 draw at Udinese followed by a 2-1 victory at Napoli where Martin Baturina registered a goal and an assist.
The Lombardy club fell behind at Genoa on Friday before storming home to win 4-1. Baturina and Nico Paz got on the score sheet with Assane Diao bagging a brace, Como ending with 62% possession and 1.78-0.79 xG.
Road Woes for Leipzig
Leipzig started the season with Martin Demichelis in charge following Ole Werner’s exit.
The German club had a solid start, winning 6-0 at Trier in the German Cup. Their Bundesliga campaign began with a 3-0 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach, ending with 25-11 shots and 3.96-1.09 xG.
Demichelis’ side are coming off a disappointing 3-1 defeat at Werder Bremen. They had 71% possession and 1.50-0.95 xG, Ridle Baku’s added time goal too little too late.
Leipzig have now lost three straight away games in the Bundesliga, conceding 11 goals.
Predicted Lineups & Team News
Como (4-2-3-1) Jean Butez; Yan Couto, Jacobo Ramón, Trevoh Chalobah, Álex Valle; Máximo Perrone, Lucas da Cunha; Assane Diao, Nico Paz, Martin Baturina; Tasos Douvikas
Jayden Addai is out for the season after suffering an achilles tendon rupture. Máximo Perrone should continue in the starting side ahead of Luis Milla.
Robert Sánchez was been signed on loan from Chelsea to put pressure on Jean Butez. Maxence Caqueret and Adrian Lahdo have not been included in the Champions League squad.
Leipzig (4-3-3) Maarten Vandevoordt; Ridle Baku, Willi Orbán, Maxime Estève, David Raum; Neil El Aynaoui, Nicolas Seiwald, Ezechiel Banzuzi; Johan Bakayoko, Christopher Nkunku, Antonio Nusa
Centre-back Castello Lukeba is battling a muscle injury and Abdoul Koné is ineligibile. Midfielder Rocco Reitz has a hamstring injury and Assan Ouédraogo is unfit.
Demichelis has issues in attack with Christoph Baumgartner and Brajan Gruda both out alongside Brazilian striker Rômulo.