Sports Mole previews Friday’s Bundesliga clash between Augsburg and Stuttgart, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Looking to overtake Bayern Munich and move into second place in the Bundesliga standings, Stuttgart head to the WWK Arena to face the top seven prospects Augsburg Friday night.
Die Roten are looking to complete a league double against Die Fuggerstadter after winning 3-0 in the reverse fixture at the MHPArena in December.
Match Preview
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After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Augsburg have since made considerable progress this season and appeared to be on course to secure at least a Europa League qualifying place earlier this year.
However, their top six prospects have suffered a major blow after a run of four defeats in their last five Bundesliga matches, including last weekend’s heavy 5-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund.
Die Fuggerstadter had a three-goal lead in the opener 29 minutes before Rubén Vargas removed one. However, the glimmer of hope they had of a miraculous return quickly evaporated, as Marco Reus added a fourth for BVB in the 34th minute, before Youssoufa Moukoko completed the rout midway through the second half.
Jess Thorup‘s men then slipped to ninth place in the Bundesliga table and sit six points off the top six with just two matches remaining. A top-seven finish – which would guarantee a place in the Europa Conference League playoffs for next season – remains a realistic target for Augsburg, however, as they sit just two points behind seventh-placed Freiburg.
That said, finishing the season on a strong note could prove difficult for Augsburg, who have won just two of their last 11 Bundesliga games against Friday’s opponents Stuttgart and will enter their final match of the campaign as underdog against undefeated champion Bayer Leverkusen.
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Unlike Augsburg, Stuttgart are currently on cloud nine and their magnificent 2023-24 campaign reached new heights last weekend by securing a memorable 3-1 home win over Bayern Munich.
Léonidas StergiouThe opening game of the first half was canceled by a Harry Kane penalty, and the match looked headed for a draw until Stuttgart substituted Jeong Woo-yeong And Silas scored in the final seven minutes to secure all three points for the hosts and their first home win against Bayern since 2007. Sébastien HoenessThe team came just days after securing a top-four finish and a Champions League for the first time since 2009-10.
This time last year, Stuttgart were fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table and survived thanks to their success in the relegation playoffs. Die Roten are now trying to finish top two in the Bundesliga for the first time since 2006-07 when they won the title, and a win on Friday would see them climb to second place ahead of Bayern, who host Wolfsburg on Sunday .
A victory would also allow Stuttgart to equal two club records, one for the most wins (22) in a Bundesliga season, equaling their victorious campaigns in 1991-92 and 2006-07, and another for the most points in 34 matches. championship season (70 in 2006-07).
Stuttgart go into Friday’s competition having failed on their previous two visits to Augsburg, losing 4-1 in October 2021 and drawing 1-1 in April 2023, but won with three goals advance in the reverse match earlier. this season and will be confident of succeeding this time.
Augsburg Bundesliga form:
Stuttgart Bundesliga form:
Team News
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Augsburg Raphaël Framberger, Robert Goumny (both knees), Elvis Rexhbecaj, Finn Dahmen (both ankles), Fredrik Jensen (veal) and Reece Oxford (illness) all remain in the treatment room, while Iago is doubtful with foot problem.
Kristijan Jakic served a one-match suspension last time out, but is available for selection on Friday and should compete with Tim Breithaupt to start in midfield alongside Arne Maier And Arne Engels.
Ermedin Demirovic has a team-high 15 Bundesliga goals to his name this season, but he has only scored one goal in his last seven appearances. Nonetheless, the Augsburg captain is expected to lead the line alongside Philippe Tietz.
As for Stuttgart, Nikolas Nartei (knee), Josha Vagnoman (metatarsal) and Dan-Axel Zagadou (knee) all remain sidelined due to injuries, while Roberto Massimo a muscular problem will be assessed before kick-off.
Maximilian Mittelstadt And Enzo Millot both served a suspension last weekend, but are available to return against Augsburg. The first should replace Hiroki Itō at left back, while the latter could start in midfield in front Angel Stiller.
Serhou Guirassy And Deniz Undavwho both scored in the reverse fixture against Augsburg, have found the net 43 times between them so far this season and they are set to continue their partnership up front.
Augsburg possible starting lineup:
Koubek; Mbabu, Gouweleeuw, Uduokhai, Pedersen; Engels, Jakic, Maier; Vargas; Tietz, Demirovic
Possible starting lineup in Stuttgart:
Nubel; Stergiou, Anton, Rouault, Mittelstadt; Leweling, Karazor, Stiller, Fuhrich; Undav, Guirassy
We say: Augsburg 1-2 Stuttgart
Both teams still have something to play for ahead of their final two Bundesliga matches, although Augsburg still have plenty to play for in this competition as they look to bolster their hopes of finishing in the top seven.
However, we expect Stuttgart to take advantage of their hosts’ poor form and follow up their impressive win over Bayern Munich with another win on Friday.
For data analysis of most likely outcomes, scores and more for this match, please click here.
