Augsburg vs. Leipzig preview: RB look to start winning run
After losing their first three games of the calendar year, Leipzig bounced back last week and now hope to win their second game in a row away at Augsburg.
Augsburg
Augsburg have only won once in their last seven Bundesliga games and have lost some confidence since experiencing a major ‘new trainer bump’ under Jess Thorup. They are still safely ahead of the relegation places, which is yet again the goal for this season.
Ermedin Demirovic (11 goals, 6 assists) has done everything up front for Augsburg this season, as there’s continued belief he’ll leave the club this summer. In their last 12 competitive meetings, Augsburg have failed to defeat Leipzig and have only managed three draws.
Thorup said, "We have always shown good performances in the last home games, but in the end we didn't get enough points. It's time for a game without conceding a goal.”
Team News
Reece Oxford and Raphael Framberger are out, while Pep Biel is questionable. Niklas Dorsch is back in full training and should play this weekend.
RB Leipzig
Leipzig had a rough schedule to open 2024 against three teams in the top six and they lost all three games. However, they looked far improved against Union last week, as Benjamin Sesko and Dani Olmo especially played well in their win.
The attacking quartet of Sesko, Olmo, Openda and Simmons provides a scarily daunting task for opponents. The back four of Raum, Klostermann, Orban and Henrichs should continue with Peter Gulacsi in goal, as he doesn’t seem to be giving his spot back to Janis Blaswich anytime soon.
Marco Rose commented, "The game at Augsburg will be an unpleasant task. They are a team with footballing quality, a good game idea and a corresponding physicality. In addition, they have strong support behind them.”
Team News
Although he has returned from AFCON, Amadou Haidara has a knee issue and won’t be in the squad. Lois Openda will face a one-game suspension if he picks up another yellow card.