A cold January evening in Augsburg sets the scene for a game that could shape the trajectory of two very different Bundesliga seasons. FC Augsburg, searching for stability and points at the wrong end ...
A cold January evening in Augsburg sets the scene for a game that could shape the trajectory of two very different Bundesliga seasons. FC Augsburg, searching for stability and points at the wrong end of the table, welcome Union Berlin, who are aiming to cement their place in the top half. With survival concerns on one side and (very) quiet European ambitions on the other, Thursday’s clash promises plenty of edge.
Form
The Fuggerstädter’s return to action in 2026 was miserable: a 0-4 defeat at Borussia Mönchengladbach in their opening fixture of the calendar year exposed defensive frailties and left fans frustrated. Augsburg have struggled for consistency all season - just one win in five prior to the winter break. They need to find some resilience at home if they want to pull clear of danger.
Steffen Baumgart’s side come into this one with better momentum - unbeaten in their last three, including an exciting 2-2 draw against Mainz in their last outing. After finishing last season strongly against Augsburg, the Eisernen will be confident of continuing their climb in the upper half of the table.
Head-to-head
Historical duels between these teams have often been tight: only rarely have either side scored more than two goals, underlining tactical discipline on both sides.
Augsburg’s recent home record against Union is not too bad - they’ve won 3 of their last 5 encounters, though Union claimed victory in their most recent meeting last season.
Statistical trends suggest both teams are capable of getting on the scoresheet, but Augsburg’s offensive woes this season could temper expectations.
Squad news
The hosts are still waiting for the return of both captain Jeffrey Gouweleeuw and star centre-back Chrislain Matsima, while all other players are seemingly fit to be at least an option for the game.
Seeing as Augsburg were not able to score any goals in their first game of the year against Gladbach, it's likely that new transfer Michael Gregoritsch will play a more important role in this game.
Union Berlin are still without Tom Rothe, Robert Skov and Tim Skarke; however, die Eisernen have a great central defense to compensate the missing players. Doekhi, Leite and Querfeld have proven to be one of the defenses with the most attacking threat - will that be of help against the struggling Augsburg side?
One highlight of Union Berlin's first game of the year was Livan Burcu, who showed a promising performance against Mainz. He could be the missing piece for Steffen Baumgart, who brings some consistency to die Eisernen's attack.
Predicted lineups
FC Augsburg (3-4-2-1):
Dahmen - Banks, Schlotterbeck, Zesiger - Fellhauer, Jakic, Massengo, Giannoulis - Rieder, Claude-Maurice - Gregoritsch
Union Berlin (3-4-2-1):
Rønnow - Doekhi, Querfeld, Leite - Haberer, Khedira, Kemlein, Köhn - Burke, Burcu - Ilic
Category: General Sports
