Regrouped Augsburg host dangerous Wolves
Augsburg host Wolfsburg in another of the Bundesliga’s 14:30 kickoffs this Saturday, Heiko Herrlich’s men needed a chance to hit the reset button considering their form before the suspension. The 14th placed side are winless in their last five matches, scoring three goals in that period. Whereas the fortunes of their opponents could not be more different, they are in the middle of a six game domestic unbeaten run and were likely to break into the Europa League positions, how relevant form before the stoppage is, we are all awaiting to see ahead of the league’s eagerly anticipated return.
Ones to watch
Florian Niederlechner is set to achieve his most productive season in the Bundesliga having played in every league outing so far. The 29-year-old joined from fellow perennial mid table outfit Freiburg last summer despite his former employers looking better off in eighth, he is having an excellent season. 11 goals and six assists has the German in star studded company joint-fifth in the scoring charts with the likes of Marco Reus and Serge Gnabry. Augsburg are not safe from relegation concerns, five points above 16th placed Fortuna Dusseldorf with nine fixtures remaining.
Attacking full back Philipp Max is having a career defining campaign with the hosts, contributing seven goals and five assists from the left flank, three more goals already than he has ever achieved in a single season. The 26-year-old may be on a lot of clubs’ radars with a conclusion now on the horizon and he will be a significant cog in ensuring Augsburg steer clear of the drop.
Moving on the one of the unsung heroes, and a position that certainly does not get highlighted enough in my corner of BetBlazers which is the man between the sticks, in this case Wolfsburg’s goalkeeper Koen Casteels. He has played a key role in the Wolves having the joint-second best defensive record in the Bundesliga. Mr Consistent has made 55 saves this term and the Belgium national team understudy has played 131 times for Wolfsburg, still only 27, relatively young for a keeper, he could be there for many years to come.
Before the suspension Wolfsburg were beginning to look a serious force, they were more than worth their 0-0 draw with RB Leipzing last time out and despite the long break in play have the individual quality to get over the line here. Also look out for young Croatian winger Josip Brekalo, he is a wildcard talent.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
This impressive Wolfsburg side keep picking up results under the radar. They snatched this one in additional time, 2-1.