Match week 30 of the Bundesliga sees 15th place FC Augsburg host 12th place Stuttgart, with only three points separating the two teams, both will be eager to snatch the win.
Augsburg look to build form
The hosts enter the game on the back of their 2-1 league win over Werder Bremen, however this does unfortunately not tell the story of their recent form. With one win in their last three matches, Markus Weinzierl’s side have conceded eight goals in their previous three games. On the other hand, after Hong’s late winner against Bremen coming from 1-0 to walk away with the three points, Augsburg will have surely gained confidence going into this game.
Stuttgart in need of a win
The visitors will also go into the game in poor form, losing two and drawing one in their previous three Bundesliga matches. After an encouraging start to the season for Stuttgart, Jurgen Kramny’s side have faced a downfall in form, not helped by the news of star man Daniel Didavi’s departure to Wolfsburg at the end of the season.
They were unlucky in their last match as they welcomed Bayern Munich, conceding an own goal to make the game 1-0 and eventually falling 3-1 down against a far from flattering Bayern Munich performance.
Team news
To the delight of FC Augsburg, star midfielder Ja-Cheol Koo will return to the starting eleven after missing their last match due to suspension. Dong-Won Ji is also in contention to make a return to midfield as he returned to training this week following his minor injury.
It has been a tragic few months regarding injuries for Stuttgart, with three of their key players being ruled out for the remainder of the season; Grosskreutz, Die and Ginczek. Maxim is also a doubt for this game with a minor injury believed to have been sustained in training.
Predicted teams
Augsburg: Hitz ; Verhaegh, Gouweleeuw, Klavan, Max; Janker, Baier; Bobadilla, Ja-Cheol, Caiuby; Finnbogason
Stuttgart: Tyton; Klein, Sunjic, Schwaab, Niedermeier; Insua; Werner, Didavi, Rupp, Kostic; Kravets
Players to watch
A battle in the midfield can regularly be the winning factor to a game. Stuttgart midfielder, Daniel Didavi has contributed to fourteen of Stuttgart’s goals this season; 11 goals and 3 assist. His consistent high level of performance has been crucial to Stuttgart this season.
For FC Augsburg, newly returned Ja-Cheol Koo is also a dominant creative figure in his teams’ midfield, scoring eight goals and claiming one assist this season. It will certainly be interesting to see who can dictate the game this weekend as three points can make all the difference at this stage of the season.