Augsburg vs Bayer Leverkusen

Mid-table Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen head to the WWK Arena to encounter bottom-half Augsburg in a competitive-looking fixture.

Despite taking a 1-0 at halftime last time out, Augsburg eventually found themselves on the receiving end of a 3-1 scoreline against Freiburg, surrendering points for the third time in their four most recent Bundesliga fixtures (W1, L3). Stuck only two points clear of the dreaded relegation playoff spot, ‘Die Fuggerstädter’ can at least draw some confidence from toppling Borussia Monchengladbach 1-0 in their last home league outing, ending a woeful run of four straight winless league games at WWK Arena (D2, L2). But Enrico Maaßen’s men have registered just two victories in their nine Bundesliga home matches this season (D2, L5), accounting for the lowest home wins tally in the division. Things may go from bad to worse this weekend, as Augsburg have yet to beat Leverkusen at home in the Bundesliga (D4, L7).

In the meantime, Bayer Leverkusen’s impressive run of five consecutive Bundesliga triumphs ended abruptly last weekend at the hands of Borussia Dortmund (0-2). If they’re to close a massive eight-point gap on sixth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt and become a relevant factor in the European race, ‘Die Werkself’ must avenge a 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture, their first-ever Bundesliga loss to Augsburg in their 23rd meeting (W15, D7). Yet to lose back-to-back league outings under Xabi Alonso, the visitors will rely on successive away triumphs in the top flight in which they scored 2+ goals. Another success would see them win three consecutive away games in the Bundesliga for the first time since October 2021.