Augsburg vs. Union Berlin preview: Hosts looking to extend unbeaten home run
Augsburg
Augsburg may be in impressive home form, but they have failed to win either of their last two matches. Their four-game winning run was ended by a 1-1 draw in their most recent home outing against Köln. The Fuggerstädter then experienced a disappointing trip to the PreZero Arena last weekend. Wout Weghorst and Andrej Kramarić gave Hoffenheim a two-goal lead, before Ermedin Demirović found the net to give Augsburg a foothold. However, their hopes of salvaging a point were quashed by Ilhas Bebou’s 90th-minute effort.
Despite losing 3-1 last time out, Augsburg will still be pleased with their position in the league table. Having picked up 36 points from 28 matches, the Fuggerstädter are sitting in seventh place and six points adrift of Eintracht Frankfurt in sixth position.
With Augsburg looking to close that gap, they may be able to take confidence from the fact they have won their last three home games against Union.
Team News
Jess Thorup is expected to be without Kevin Mbabu, Iago, Robert Gumny, Reece Oxford, Raphael Framberger, Elvis Rexhbecaj and Fredrik Jensen. Meanwhile, Kristijan Jakić is a doubt due to an injury issue.
Union Berlin
Union have experienced an underwhelming run of form, having won just one of their last six league matches. Their only win in that period took place against Werder Bremen before the March international break. Since returning to Bundesliga action, Union have gone on to draw with Eintracht Frankfurt before losing 1-0 to Bayer Leverkusen last weekend.
Although they are not in immediate danger, die Eisernen still have work to do if they are to secure their Bundesliga status for another season. With six matches left to play, Nenad Bjelica’s side are sitting in 13th spot with six points separating them from the bottom three.
While they will want to extend that gap on Friday, Union have tended to struggle on the road, having won just two of their 14 away league games this season. If they are to claim a rare away victory, the visitors will need to beat Augsburg for the first time in a Bundesliga away game.
Team News
Union are unable to call upon Jakob Busk, Jerome Roussillon and Yorbe Vertessen, while Robin Gosens and Lucas Tousart will serve one-match bans.