RB Leipzig vs. Augsburg preview: Hosts looking to kickstart form

RB Leipzig

Leipzig have frustratingly drawn their last two domestic matches 0-0 after a strong start to the campaign, ending Bayer Leverkusen's 35-match unbeaten run on August 31st with a 3-2 victory against Die Werkself.

Concerns will arise regarding the fact that it was their opponents who looked the most threatening in the most recent 0-0 draw against newly promoted St. Pauli. The hosts on the night produced 15 shots inside the penalty area in comparison with just eight for Die Roten Bullen.

Leipzig also lost their first Champions League match of the season in between these draws, with Jose Maria Gimenez netting a 90th-minute winner for Atletico Madrid.

Of the 18 teams in the top flight, Marco Rose's side rank 14th for xG created, 14th for shots on target per match and just 15th for big chances created. 

Marco Rose's side ranks 14th for xG created out of the 18 sides in the Bundesliga, whilst also ranking 14th for shots on target and an even lower 15th for big chances created.

Team News

The hosts will be without Xaver Schlager until January after suffering a crucial ligament injury. Rose will also be unable to select midfielders Forzan Assan Ouedraogo and Kevin Kampl until the middle of October, whilst Eljif Elmas has also picked up a knock and is likely to miss a few days.

Lois Openda could only make a substitute appearance against St. Pauli as a result of his exploits in the Champions League, but he can be expected to start up front alongside Benjamin Sesko this weekend.

Augsburg

Augsburg enter the upcoming match following a 3-2 defeat to Mainz 05 last time out. Mainz quickly gained a 2-0 lead within the first 15 minutes. Although Augsburg reduced the deficit and had a numerical advantage from the 35th to the 70th minute, Mainz extended their lead to 3-1 shortly after halftime.

Ahead of the clash with Leipzig, Augsburg manager Jess Thorup addressed the press, emphasizing that the whole team must improve defensively, rather than focusing solely on the backline, which has conceded 10 goals in four league games.

Attacking-wise, Augsburg have netted seven goals, ranked seventh in xG, and created the fifth most big chances. However, they have also squandered the fourth-best big chances. Despite some encouraging underlying stats, Augsburg's recent form has been poor, losing seven of their last nine Bundesliga games, with their only win coming against St. Pauli on September 15.

Team News

Striker Samuel Essende was shown a red card in the last match and is suspended for the upcoming game. Meanwhile, Robert Gumny and Daniel Klein are sidelined with injuries, and expected to return in December and October, respectively.

In other news, Augsburg's Reece Oxford has tested positive for COVID-19 and is doubtful to play, though Masaya Okugawa could make a comeback if he recovers from illness in time for Saturday's match.

Phillip Tietz is likely to lead the attack in Essende's absence, potentially with support from Elvis Rexhbecaj and Ruben Vargas.