Borussia Mönchengladbach vs Augsburg preview: European credentials put tp the test | OneFootball

Borussia Mönchengladbach

Gerardo Seoane’s side continued their impressive form with a well-earned victory against Union Berlin, scoring twice inside the opening 26 minutes. Their dominance was evident, having created four clear-cut chances while restricting their opponents to just a solitary penalty, which was converted in the 63rd minute.

Despite their attacking prowess, defensive frailties remain a concern for Die Fohlen, who have managed just one clean sheet in their last 11 matches. Their tally of 32 goals conceded is the third-worst defensive record among the Bundesliga’s top eight teams.

A win on Saturday could significantly bolster their European ambitions, as they currently trail fourth-placed RB Leipzig by three points, sit two behind Freiburg in fifth, and are just one point adrift of sixth-placed Mainz. These positions are crucial, as they determine qualification for the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, respectively.

Gladbach are unbeaten in their last four outings, winning three while scoring eight goals and conceding only three in that period.

Team News

Seoane’s squad remains relatively intact, though they will be without first-choice goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas for the remainder of the season, meaning Jonas Omlin is set to make only his fourth Bundesliga appearance of the campaign.

In attack, Franck Honorat’s absence due to a broken ankle could see Nathan N'Goumou, Kevin Stöger, and Robin Hack provide support for striker Tim Kleindienst.

With Rocco Reitz unavailable until mid-March, Philipp Sander and Julian Weigl are expected to anchor the midfield.

Augsburg

Augsburg’s recent struggles in front of goal continued last weekend as they recorded a second successive goalless draw. While their defensive solidity has been evident, keeping four clean sheets in their last six games, they have found the net just once in their past four matches.

Despite their scoring woes, Jess Thorup’s side will take confidence from their 2-1 triumph over Gladbach in the reverse fixture on 4 October, when they restricted Die Fohlen to a single clear-cut opportunity. That victory extended Augsburg’s unbeaten run against them to three matches.

Die Fuggerstädter have earned three draws in their last four league outings, losing the other, but had won their previous three matches by an aggregate scoreline of 6-1.

Away from home, however, their form has been far from convincing. They are winless in their last three Bundesliga matches on the road, drawing twice and losing once. Throughout the campaign, they have managed just four wins from 14 away fixtures, suffering six defeats and playing out four draws.

Team News

Augsburg’s injury concerns are more pronounced, particularly in defence, where Mads Valentin Pedersen, Marius Wolf, and Robert Gumny are all ruled out.

Finn Dahmen is likely to start in goal, shielded by a back three of Chrislain Matsima, Jeffrey Gouweleeuw, and Cédric Zesiger.

Samuel Essende is the frontrunner to lead the attack, with Mergim Berisha and Yusuf Kabadayi unavailable for selection.