As the excitement builds for this weekend, Borussia Dortmund is set to host Augsburg at the iconic Signal Iduna Park, aiming to secure vital points in the Bundesliga standings. Scheduled for Saturday, March 11th, this clash is not just another match; it’s an opportunity for Dortmund to improve their fortunes after a challenging season so far.
Match Preview
Dortmund currently finds itself in 10th place with 35 points, struggling to find consistency. In their previous match, they celebrated a 2-0 victory against St. Pauli, showcasing signs of improvement with two clean sheets in their last four games. However, their performance at home tells a different tale, as they have experienced a difficult run, losing eight out of ten matches. Their upcoming opponent, Augsburg, is right behind them in the table, sitting in 11th place, just three points shy. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere is expected to be electric.
Team News
For Borussia Dortmund, the absence of Daniel Svensson due to ligament damage is a blow, but they are hopeful about Felix Nmecha’s return to the midfield mid-March. On the other side, Augsburg will miss several key players, including Henri Koudossou, Robert Gumny, and Mads Valentin Pedersen. This creates an interesting challenge for both teams as they navigate player shortages but look to give their best effort on the field.
Dortmund’s Possible Lineup
- Goalkeeper: Gregor Kobel
- Defenders: Raphael Guerreiro, Mats Hummels, Nico Schlotterbeck, Thomas Meunier
- Midfielders: Emre Can, Julian Brandt, Felix Nmecha (if fit)
- Forwards: Youssoufa Moukoko, Donyell Malen, Sebastien Haller
Augsburg’s Possible Lineup
- Goalkeeper: Rafal Gikiewicz
- Defenders: Felix Uduokhai, Jeffrey Gouweleeuw, Reece Oxford
- Midfielders: Arne Maier, Florian Grillitsch
- Forwards: Ermedin Demirovic, Andre Hahn, Michael Gregoritsch
Match Predictions
Many analysts and fans believe that Dortmund is poised to take this match, with predictions leaning toward a close victory—likely 2-1 for Dortmund. Their head-to-head record against Augsburg shows dominance, having won 17 of their 28 encounters. However, the pressure is on them to transform this statistical advantage into real results, especially given their recent struggles at home.
What to Watch For
One of the key elements to keep an eye on will be Augsburg’s defense, which has been resilient lately, managing a number of clean sheets. However, they have struggled to find the back of the net themselves, going scoreless in four of their last five matches. This matchup will test both teams’ abilities to capitalize on scoring opportunities while managing their defensive strategies.
Broadcast Information
For fans in the United States, this exciting Bundesliga fixture will be available on ESPN channels and streaming on ESPN+. UK viewers can catch the action live on Sky Sports. This game promises thrilling moments, as both teams vie for crucial points in their pursuit of league safety and potential European competition qualifications.
