Preview: Crunch home clash against Augsburg | OneFootball

FC Augsburg are hot on Eintracht’s heels in the table, adding extra spice to the meeting of two top-six hopefuls on Friday evening in Frankfurt.

Situation: Lead dwindling

In the wake of the Eagles’ 3-0 defeat in Stuttgart at the weekend, Eintracht remain on 42 points and in sixth place in the Bundesliga standings. However, the advantage they once had over their direct rivals in the race for European qualification has now shrunk, with both FC Augsburg and SC Freiburg on 39 points after each picked up victories on Matchday 29.

“We want all three points” All of which brings Friday evening’s home game against Augsburg at Deutsche Bank Park (kick-off 20:30 CEST) into even sharper focus. “It’s obviously a very important game against Augsburg, who are breathing down our necks,” said Robin Koch. “Naturally, we want to collect all three points at home.”

Hasebe demands “emotions and passion” Makoto Hasebe struck a similar chord: “On Friday we need to show what we can do out on the pitch. Not just in terms of our playing ability; we also need to leave everything out there in terms of our attitude, emotions and passion.”

Dino Toppmöller’s side lost the reverse fixture 2-1 earlier this season, and the players are aware of the need to make amends this Friday in what is shaping up to be a decisive match at Deutsche Bank Park.