On Friday night, Augsburg will look to keep their faint European hopes alive when they welcome free-scoring Stuttgart to WWK Arena in the Bundesliga.
Augsburg unlikely to finish in the top-sixThe Bavarians challenge for a top-six spot and European football next season seems to have floundered in recent weeks. Jess Thorup’s team are in ninth place, six points behind sixth-place Eintracht Frankfurt, with just two games remaining and an inferior goal difference to the Eagles.
Augsburg's recent string of losses—four out of their last five Bundesliga games—could prove to be a fatal blow to their European aspirations.
Their defence, in particular, has been a cause for concern, conceding three or more goals in four of the defeats. This defensive frailty doesn’t bode well for a clash against a team known for its scoring prowess.
Augsburg have a decent recent home record, though, as a 3-0 defeat against Werder Bremen in their last home match ended a five-game unbeaten run on home soil in the Bundesliga.
Stuttgart gunning for second-placeDie Roten heads into this game looking to boost their chances of finishing as Bundesliga runners-up after a 3-1 win over second-place former champions Bayern Munich. The victory moved Sebastian Hoeness’ third-place team to within two points of the Bavarian giants in the table.
The Swabians' win over Thomas Tuchel’s team last time out was their sixth victory in their previous nine matches in the Bundesliga.
The visitors have built their recent good form on attacking prowess, scoring at least two goals in three of their last four matches in the German top flight.
Stuttgart has failed to win in their previous two away games in the Bundesliga. However, they have recorded wins in five of their last seven matches on their Bundesliga travels.
What am I backing?The bet I am backing is over 2.5 goals scored, as Augsburg’s leaky defence combined with Stuttgart’s potent attack should lead to a high-scoring encounter.
