In an exciting Bundesliga clash, league leaders Bayer Leverkusen are set to face Augsburg at the WWK Arena on Saturday afternoon.
With Leverkusen unbeaten this season and Augsburg struggling for form, it promises to be an intriguing encounter.
Match Preview:
Augsburg enters the match on the back of a win in a friendly last weekend but failed to win any of their last three Bundesliga matches.
However, they will be buoyed by their double victory over Leverkusen last season, including a home win. Augsburg currently sits 11th in the Bundesliga and will be eager to climb higher up the table with a win.
On the other hand, Bayer Leverkusen has been in scintillating form this season. They are yet to taste defeat in any competition, winning 13 out of 16 Bundesliga matches and accumulating a club-record 42 points.
Leverkusen will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table and continue their unbeaten streak.
Team News:
Augsburg will be without Raphael Framberger, Tomas Koubek, Reece Oxford, and possibly Iago and Frederik Winther due to injuries. Mads Pedersen will also miss the match due to suspension.
Leverkusen, on the other hand, will be missing star striker Victor Boniface and defender Arthur due to injuries.
Edmond Tapsoba, Odilon Kossounou, and Amine Adli will also be absent as they represent their countries in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Form Guide:
Augsburg’s recent form has been inconsistent, with only one win in their last seven league matches. Leverkusen, on the other hand, has been dominant, winning their last three games by an aggregate score of 12-1. They are yet to lose in 25 competitive matches this season.
Possible Lineups:
Augsburg: (4-2-3-1)
Dahmen;
Mbabu, Gouweleeuw, Uduokhai, Gumny;
Rexhbecaj, Dorsch;
Jensen, Demirovic, Engels;
Tietz
Bayer Leverkusen: (3-4-2-1)
Hradecky;
Stanisic, Tah, Hincapie;
Frimpong, Palacios, Xhaka, Grimaldo;
Hofmann, Wirtz;
Schick
Prediction: Augsburg 1-2 Bayer Leverkusen
Despite Augsburg’s previous success against Leverkusen, the visitors are expected to come out on top in this clash. Leverkusen’s impressive form and the absence of key players for Augsburg give them the advantage.