This weekend, Borussia Dortmund prepares to host FC Augsburg at the famous Westfalenstadion, aiming to elevate its position in the Bundesliga standings. With the team currently sitting in the 10th position and desperate for European football, this game carries significant weight for the home side. Following a successful win over St. Pauli, Dortmund is eager to keep the momentum going while overcoming its troublesome home record, which has seen them unable to secure victory in eight out of the last ten matches played at home.
Recent Team Form and Challenges
Dortmund comes into this match feeling more confident after a resounding 6-0 win against Union Berlin and a 2-0 triumph over St. Pauli, marking an unbeaten streak of four matches. However, head coach Niko Kovac acknowledges that maintaining this form may be challenging due to injuries. The absence of key players like Daniel Svensson and Felix Nmecha will require the remaining squad members to step up and fill those gaps. Additionally, while the team is bolstered by the impressive form of striker Serhou Guirassy, the players will need to focus intensely on their homestand against a well-organized Augsburg side.
Augsburg’s Defensive Strength
As for Augsburg, they are entering this match after a defensive-minded goalless draw with Freiburg. Despite having difficulty scoring lately, failing to find the back of the net in four out of their last five matches across all competitions, Augsburg has shown resilience in defense, managing to keep three clean sheets in those encounters. Nonetheless, their recent form has seen homes and away games end with mixed results, leading to a precarious 11th place in the league. With crucial players unavailable due to injuries, including Henri Koudossou and Robert Gummy, Augsburg will need strong performances from their remaining squad members to stand a chance against Dortmund.
Key Players to Watch
All eyes will be on Serhou Guirassy, who has been described by manager Niko Kovac as “life insurance” for the team. With 24 goals already this season, Guirassy’s goal-scoring prowess could prove decisive. Following his impressive performances, the 28-year-old striker has become a significant figure in the team. On the other hand, Augsburg’s midfielder Frank Onyeka will be a player to keep an eye on, especially given his importance in maintaining the team’s defensive organization.
Injury Updates Impacting Both Teams
Injuries remain a concerning aspect for both sides as they head into this weekend’s clash. Dortmund is facing critical absences with both left-back Daniel Svensson and midfielder Felix Nmecha sidelined, while Augsburg will feature without several key players, including Reece Oxford. The ability for the teams to adapt and utilize their squads effectively will be crucial for their chances of success.
Historical Context and Predictions
Historically, Borussia Dortmund holds a favorable win rate of 60% in previous meetings against Augsburg. Each match between these two teams has been competitive, with results often determined by tactical acumen and key player performances. Pre-match predictions lean towards a home victory for Dortmund, with many analysts expecting a final score of around 3-1 favoring the hosts. Fans will be closely watching as the game unfolds at Signal Iduna Park, where they hope to see their team deliver an exciting performance.
| Team | Position | Recent Form | Key Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borussia Dortmund | 10th | WWWD | Serhou Guirassy |
| FC Augsburg | 11th | DWWW | Frank Onyeka |
