Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig square off in the Bundesliga on Tuesday night with just four points separating the two clubs in the standings.
While Dortmund are unbeaten in their last four outings in Germany's top flight, Leipzig have recorded six victories in succession.
Match preview
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There was a time not so long ago that Lucien Favre faced a fight to keep hold of his job at the Westfalenstadion, something which the Frenchman was quick to acknowledge after an inconsistent run of results.
However, having put together a four-match winning streak in all competitions, helping Dortmund up the domestic table and into the last 16 of the Champions League, Favre will now feel that his side are perfectly placed to have a strong second half to the campaign.
The form of Jadon Sancho has played a significant part in the upturn in results, with the England international contributing seven goals and four assists from his last six outings.
Given the frequent speculation regarding his future, there is an argument that the 19-year-old has further pushed himself to the front of the shop window as other top European clubs battle it out for his signature.
Nevertheless, it has become increasingly evident that Dortmund cannot lose the youngster at this stage of the season, regardless of whether they receive a bid in the region of £100m.
Leipzig may also have to fend off offers for several of their players during January, although Julian Nagelsmann will want to ensure that he keeps his united squad together until at least the summer.
With distance having been established ahead of champions Bayern Munich, Nagelsmann will appreciate that his team have laid the foundations to make history over the coming months.
The likes of Dayot Upamecano and Timo Werner may move on to bigger clubs at the end of the season, but they have the opportunity to win some silverware before taking the next steps in their respective careers.
Werner has netted five times in his last four outings, taking his overall tally to 19 strikes for the season, and there will be a desire to remain in touch with Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski, who currently holds a two-goal advantage in the Bundesliga scoring charts.
Borussia Dortmund Bundesliga form: WLDWWW
Borussia Dortmund form (all competitions): DLWWWW
RB Leipzig Bundesliga form: WWWWWW
RB Leipzig form (all competitions): WDWWDW
Team News
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Given the manner of their 4-0 victory at Mainz on Saturday afternoon, it would come as a surprise if Favre makes any alterations to his starting lineup.
Should Favre opt to tighten up his midfield, Mahmoud Dahoud is an option in the centre of the pitch instead of Julian Brandt, but the likes of Mario Gotze and Paco Alcacer will likely remain among the replacements.
Nagelsmann is also expected to keep changes to a minimum as Leipzig look to record their seventh successive win in the Bundesliga.
Nordi Mukiele may get the nod over Lukas Klostermann, who was withdrawn midway through the second half of the 3-0 win over Fortuna Dusseldorf.
Chelsea loanee Ethan Ampadu will remain on the bench, as will former Everton winger Ademola Lookman.
Borussia Dortmund possible starting lineup:
Burki; Akanji, Hummels, Zagadou; Hakimi, Weigl, Brandt, Schulz; Hazard, Reus, Sancho
RB Leipzig possible starting lineup:
Gulacsi; Klostermann, Ilsanker, Upamecano, Halstenberg; Sabitzer, Laimer, Demme, Nkunku; Schick, Werner
We say: Borussia Dortmund 2-2 RB Leipzig
This clash cannot be anything other than entertaining, surely? Both clubs have produced a rich vein of form in the final third, and we feel that the two attack-minded teams will cancel each other out at the Westfalenstadion.
Darren Plant
