News Focus
- Augsburg enter the match unbeaten in their last five fixtures, keeping European hopes alive.
- Gladbach secured their top-flight status with a dramatic late victory against Borussia Dortmund last weekend.
- The visitors face a defensive crisis with Nico Elvedi and Jens Castrop suspended for the clash.
- Manuel Baum has a fully fit squad available, while Gladbach remain without injured striker Tim Kleindienst.
- Gladbach hammered Augsburg 4-0 in the reverse fixture earlier this campaign.
FC Augsburg host Borussia Mönchengladbach at the WWK Arena this Saturday with just two rounds left in the Bundesliga calendar. Both sides want to end an up-and-down season on a high note.
The hosts sit in a promising position. Manuel Baum’s team has not lost in five matches, picking up two wins and three draws during this strong finish. Their 3-1 triumph away to Werder Bremen last weekend showed the fighting spirit that has defined the Fuggerstädter in recent weeks. They remain close to the European places.
Gladbach arrive with fresh confidence after beating Borussia Dortmund late to confirm their safety. Haris Tabaković scored the decisive goal at Borussia-Park, sparking wild celebrations and easing the tension that haunted the Foals during the spring months.
However, consistency remains a problem for Gerardo Seoane’s side. The visitors have found life difficult on the road and look shaky at the back. Injuries and suspensions have forced changes to their defence. Augsburg will look to exploit these gaps in front of their home crowd.
The two teams met earlier this season, with Gladbach cruising to a 4-0 win. Tabaković starred that day, and Augsburg will use that painful memory as fuel for this encounter.
The midfield battle could prove vital. Augsburg use physical play and high pressing to trouble technically gifted opponents. Baum has brought organisation and discipline since returning to the dugout, though his future at the club remains a hot topic among supporters.
Gladbach rely heavily on Tabaković’s goals, but they struggle to dominate matches for full ninety minutes. This inability to control games has cost them valuable points throughout the term.
Augsburg’s momentum and Gladbach’s patchy away form suggest the hosts hold a slight advantage. With both teams safe from relegation, fans can expect an open, attacking contest.
Team News
Augsburg report no injury concerns and can select from a full strength squad. Gladbach miss the suspended duo of Nico Elvedi and Jens Castrop, while top scorer Tim Kleindienst remains sidelined through injury. These absences could prove decisive.
Predicted Line-ups
FC Augsburg (3-4-2-1): Dahmen – Matsima, Gouweleeuw, Zesiger – Fellhauer, Massengo, Rieder, Giannoulis – Kade, Claude-Maurice – Gregoritsch
Borussia Mönchengladbach (3-5-2): Nicolas – Sander, Diks, Chiarodia – Scally, Reitz, Engelhardt, Stöger, Ullrich – Honorat, Tabaković