Augsburg vs. Dortmund preview: BVB look to end disappointing league form
Dortmund travel to Augsburg in hopes of inching their way closer to a place back in the top four, having won just once in their last six league games.
Augsburg
Despite their unbeaten run coming to an end last weekend, Augsburg sit comfortably in 9th and remain far away from the relegation conversation. They’ve been solid at the back, but are still searching for goals up front, having only put away five in their last five contests.
It’s a difficult end to the calendar year for the Bavarians who face Stuttgart following the Dortmund contest. Augsburg are a good bet at home having secured 12 of their 17 points at the WWK Arena, however they’ve conceded more goals to BVB than any other Bundesliga side in their history.
In his Thursday presser, Jess Thorup shared, "It was clear that the unbeaten streak would be broken at some point. We trained well during the training week and are eager to achieve something this weekend.”
Team News
Iago and Dion Beljo are questionable, while Sven Michel will be in the squad after recovering from a sickness. Arne Maier, Reece Oxford, and Raphael Framberger are expected to remain out.
Dortmund
BVB drew with PSG midweek to wrap up their Champions League group of death and head to the round of 16. But in league play, it’s as if we’re watching a different Dortmund side, as they now sit four points away from 4th in the table.
The link-up play between Julian Brandt and Niclas Füllkrug has looked decent of late, but they’re simply giving away too many goals at the back. It feels like six points are the requirement against Augsburg and Mainz to end the calendar year, or else Edin Terzic’s job will come into question.
Terzic stated, "We have shown what we are capable of. That is the clear mission for Saturday and next Tuesday."
Team News
Marcel Sabitzer, Karim Adeyemi, and Salih Özcan are doubtful this weekend. Julian Ryerson, Felix Nmecha, and Youssoufa Moukoko are the long-term absentees, while Mats Hummels is suspended.