This Sunday, Augsburg welcome Hoffenheim to the WWK Arena in a league match that could see the home side extend their slender two-point lead over their relegation-battling visitors. Augsburg presently lie 11th with 11 points from nine games, while Hoffenheim lie in the relegation places in 16th and urgently need all three points to take them clear of the relegation zone.
Match Preview: Augsburg’s Home Strength Meets Hoffenheim’s Away Struggles
Augsburg head into this encounter oozing confidence after holding Wolfsburg to a 1-1 draw on November 2. Against the course of the game and with very limited possession, the team dug deep to hold a lead for most of the match before Wolfsburg finally equalized in the late 82 minutes. With this result, Augsburg extended their undefeated streak to three, including two wins, since March.
Under Jess Thorup, Augsburg have been able to score 13 goals- joint 10th in the league offensively. Defensively, they have been less sound, letting in 20 goals, which is the third highest in the Bundesliga. Away Form Augsburg’s home form has been good this season, having won three in a row at the WWK Arena and only losing once there this season.
Meanwhile, Hoffenheim heads into the match off the back of a disappointing 2-0 defeat to St. Pauli in their last league fixture. Their recent struggles have left them in 16th place, level on points with St. Pauli but only three points ahead of the automatic relegation spots. Manager Pellegrino Matarazzo’s team drew recently 2-2 against Lyon in the Europa League, a performance that could affect its league form as it goes on fighting on all fronts.
Hoffenheim have also scored 13 goals, but with 19 conceded, they have the fifth-worst defensive record in the league. Fitful The team has been in fits and starts, managing three wins, three draws, and two losses in their last eight matches. Their away record is a worry, with no win away in six games as they’ve suffered three losses in that stretch.
Team News: Key Absences for Both Sides
Augsburg is going to lack some key players, such as keeper Daniel Klein, expected back to the pitch in mid-November, and defender Reece Oxford due to long COVID issues. With midfielder Elvis Rexhbecaj suspended and forwards Fredrik Jensen and Ruben Vargas hurt, Thorup will probably put Frank Onyeka, Kristijan Jakic, and Arne Maier at midfield; an attack shall be led by Phillip Tietz and Alexis Claude-Maurice.
For Hoffenheim, defenders Christopher Lenz, Ozan Kabak, and Stanley N’Soki are all out, meaning Kevin Akpoguma, Anton Stach, and Arthur Chaves are likely to form the backline. Absence of midfielders Finn Becker and Grischa Promel should hand Tom Bischof and Florian Grillitsch doors in central role. Other absentee forward Ihlas Bebou means Adam Hlozek and Marious Bulter are likely to begin up front.
Predicted Lineups
Augsburg Possible Starting XI:
Labrovic; Matsima, Gouweleeuw, Schlotterbeck; Wolf, Onyeka, Jakic, Maier, Giannoulis; Tietz, Claude-Maurice
Hoffenheim Possible Starting XI:
Baumann; Chaves, Stach, Akpoguma; Gendrey, Bischof, Grillitsch, Prass; Kramaric; Hlozek, Bulter
Conclusion:
Augsburg’s good home form and unbeaten run of late would give them the slight edge, but Hoffenheim is desperate to get out of the relegation zone and may well make this a full-on battle. Both teams have their weaknesses, so this could also be a close encounter.
