The Bundesliga heats up this Friday night as Augsburg welcomes Borussia Dortmund to the WWK Arena. While Dortmund aims to solidify their position near the top of the table, Augsburg is desperate to escape the looming threat of relegation. This match promises more than just goals; it's a battle of contrasting fortunes.
Dortmund's Defensive Woes
News from Ruhr Nachrichten reveals a significant blow for Dortmund. Key defender Nico Schlotterbeck is sidelined, feeling under the weather after their midweek DFB-Pokal victory. Adding to the defensive crisis, Niklas Süle is also out with a swollen toe. This leaves coach Edin Terzić with a selection headache.
However, there's a silver lining! Captain Emre Can is back in the squad after a lengthy absence. His return provides a much-needed boost to Dortmund's midfield and leadership. It is expected that Aaron Anselmino will start alongside Ramy Bensebaini and Waldemar Anton in Dortmund’s defence. This defensive reshuffle presents an opportunity for Augsburg to exploit any vulnerabilities.
Augsburg's Chance to Pounce
Augsburg, currently 15th and just three points above the relegation zone, suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat to RB Leipzig. However, they can take heart from their victories against Dortmund last season, winning both home (2-1) and away (1-0). These results highlight their potential to upset the odds, especially against a weakened Dortmund defence.
Key Stats and Predictions
Dortmund sits fourth with five wins, one loss, and two draws. While their attack has been decent (14 goals), their defensive record (6 goals conceded) is usually a strength. Augsburg, on the other hand, has scored 12 but conceded a worrying 20 goals. The absence of key defenders will surely test Dortmund’s backline. Historically, this fixture is rarely goalless, so expect goals. Dortmund has dominated overall (12 wins in 22 meetings since 2015), but Augsburg's recent successes add intrigue.
Will Augsburg capitalise on Dortmund's defensive crisis?
This Friday night clash is set to be a tense and exciting encounter. Can Augsburg exploit Dortmund's defensive vulnerabilities and secure a vital win? Or will Dortmund's attacking prowess and the return of Emre Can be enough to overcome their defensive woes? Tune in to find out!