Augsburg vs Heidenheim – News and Probable Lineups

Augsburg has the chance to significantly bolster their chances of remaining in the Bundesliga when they host Heidenheim, the team currently at the bottom of the league table, at the WWK Arena this Sunday afternoon.

Last weekend, Manuel Baum’s squad experienced the end of their four-match unbeaten streak, while Heidenheim’s struggles continued with another disappointing defeat.

Match overview

Although the Bundesliga may lack an exciting title race, there is plenty of intensity in the competition for the top four and to avoid relegation.

Augsburg finds itself in the latter category, with their league position having improved significantly since Manuel Baum took over in December.

When the 46-year-old succeeded Sandro Wagner, he took charge of a team that was sitting precariously just above the relegation zone and had lost eight out of their 12 league matches.

Baum, on an interim basis, managed to ignite a change that propelled the club to 13th place and even achieved a remarkable 2-1 win against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

Although Augsburg enjoyed a four-match unbeaten stretch, that run was halted by Mainz last weekend, in a match marred by a contentious refereeing decision.

Still, the Fuggerstadter will be eager to return to form as they aim to take a crucial step toward securing their Bundesliga status.

On the subject of Bundesliga survival, Heidenheim is on an entirely different path, with the club progressing closer to the seemingly inevitable drop.

With just 13 points at the bottom of the standings, FCH is now six points away from safety, a gap that continues to widen due to Heidenheim’s current poor form.

The team suffered its third consecutive Bundesliga defeat last weekend, going down 2-0 at home to Hamburg SV, a side that had the poorest away record in the league before the match.

In their last eight matches, Heidenheim has managed to secure only a meager two points and they have not won since a 2-1 victory against Freiburg in early December.

Head coach Frank Schmidt, who has overseen the club’s incredible journey from the fifth division to the Bundesliga, has urged his players to “roll up their sleeves and continue,” highlighting his optimistic outlook and dedication to the team’s cause.

Augsburg Bundesliga form:

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Augsburg form (all competitions):

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Heidenheim Bundesliga form:

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Heidenheim form (all competitions):

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Team News

Augsburg has received encouraging news regarding their squad, with only two players set to miss Sunday’s important clash.

Defender Jeffrey Gouweleeuw has been absent for much of the season due to a knee injury, making just five appearances throughout this campaign.

Meanwhile, French player Chrislain Matsima is also unavailable, having missed the last seven matches due to a muscle issue and is expected to remain sidelined.

On the other hand, Heidenheim is also facing several injury concerns as they approach the weekend.

Swiss defender Leonidas Stergiou, who recently joined on loan from Stuttgart during the winter transfer window, is dealing with a muscle injury and will not be available.

Leart Paqarada has been sidelined for most of the season due to a knee injury and is unlikely to return before the season concludes.

Additionally, forward Mathias Honsak is nursing a thigh issue, while midfielder Niklas Dorsch is dealing with an illness. Both players are questionable for Sunday’s match.

Augsburg probable starting XI:

Damen; Banks, Chaves, Schlotterbeck; Fellhauer, Jakic, Massengo, Wolf; Rieder, Claude-Maurice; Gregoritsch

Heidenheim probable starting XI:

Ramaj; Bush, Mainka, Gimber; Traore, Niehues, Schoppner, Behrens; Dinkci, Pieringer, Ibrahimovic

Augsburg has displayed impressive form at home over the past few weeks, remaining unbeaten in six games at the WWK Arena.

While Heidenheim always showcases great effort, we anticipate that the home team will demonstrate superior quality and claim three critical points.