Bayern Munich play host to RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga on Sunday evening with just a point separating the two teams in the standings.
The visitors had recently topped the table, only for a two-match winless streak to allow Bayern to return to first place.
Match preview
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There was a time earlier in the season when many felt that Bayern would struggle to contend for the Bundesliga title, especially after back-to-back defeats to Borussia Monchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen.
However, with many of their rivals having struggled for consistency, a run of six successive victories has resulted in Bayern now sitting at the top of the standings.
As many as 23 goals have been scored during that period, with Hans Flick likely to be encouraged that Robert Lewandowski has only contributed six of those efforts.
Bayern have benefited from the break in Champions League action - a competition which is due to recommence in February with the German giants taking on Chelsea.
However, Flick and his players will feel that three more victories will give the club considerable breathing space between themselves and the chasing pack during a hectic period.
As for Leipzig, Julian Nagelsmann will acknowledge that this is probably the team's biggest game of the season, particularly after their recent poor run of form.
While just one point has been registered from league games against Eintracht Frankfurt and Monchengladbach, the defeat at the former in the DFB-Pokal would have hurt Nagelsmann as he bids to win some silverware.
Nevertheless, it has presented the young head coach with an opportunity to discover more about the character of his squad at a time when many of them are being linked with bigger clubs.
Timo Werner has failed to add to his 23 goals for the season in his last three outings, while Dayot Upamecano has not helped Leipzig to a clean sheet in his most recent half-a-dozen matches.
Nagelsmann will be looking to both players to rediscover their previous dominant form ahead of the showdown with Bayern and the upcoming Champions League double-header with Tottenham Hotspur, games which could ultimately determine whether the campaign is regarded as a success or failure.
Bayern Munich Bundesliga form: WWWWWW
Bayern Munich form (all competitions): WWWWWW
RB Leipzig Bundesliga form: WDWWLD
RB Leipzig form (all competitions): DWWLDL
Team News
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As a result of Ivan Perisic's long-term injury, Philippe Coutinho could be included on the left flank, with Serge Gnabry being used on the opposite side of the pitch.
Thomas Muller should get the nod over Leon Goretzka behind Robert Lewandowski, while Joshua Kimmich and Thiago Alcantara are in line to feature in midfield.
Despite watching Bayern concede three times against Hoffenheim in midweek, the likes of Alvaro Odriozola and Lucas Hernandez may have to wait for an opportunity in the starting lineup.
Having signed from Dinano Zagreb last month, Dani Olmo could be provided with his first Bundesliga start for Leipzig.
That could lead to Emil Forsberg having to make do with a spot on the bench, despite recovering from illness.
Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:
Neuer; Pavard, Boateng, Alaba, Davies; Kimmich, Thiago; Gnabry, Muller, Coutinho; Lewandowski
RB Leipzig possible starting lineup:
Gulacsi; Mukiele, Klostermann, Upamecano, Halstenberg; Adams, Laimer; Sabitzer, Nkunku, Olmo; Werner
We say: Bayern Munich 3-1 RB Leipzig
As a result of their recent slip-ups, we cannot back Leipzig to prevail at the Allianz Arena. Bayern have rediscovered their touch in all areas of the pitch, and they will be motivated to take their chance to create some distance between themselves and the chasing pack.
Darren Plant
Data Analysis
Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats up until an hour before kickoff, suggested the most likely outcome of this match was a win with a probability of 72.94%. A draw had a probability of 14.7% and a win for had a probability of 12.36%.
The most likely scoreline for a win was 2-1 with a probability of 8.43%. The next most likely scorelines for that outcome were 3-1 (8.14%) and 2-0 (7.27%). The likeliest drawn scoreline was 1-1 (5.82%), while for a win it was 1-2 (3.38%).
