FC Augsburg vs RB Leipzig
The Bundesliga will return from the international break with a big match as the top two in the table collide for an early-season battle.
But instead of German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, it’s RB Leipzig and Augsburg who currently find themselves in first and second place, respectively.
Both clubs remain unbeaten and have kept things tight at the back in their first few games. But Nagelsmann’s Red Bulls are still banging in the goals despite the loss of Timo Werner, and they will have their sights set on adding a few more goals to their tally at Augsburg’s expense.
Talking Points
Augsburg off to fast start
After finishing just one place above the relegation zone last season, Augsburg are off to an impressive start this year as they’ve won two of their first three matches.
They beat Union Berlin 3-1 away from home, which was a fine result. But the following week, they completely defied the Bundesliga 2020 betting odds by beating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at home. Daniel Caligiuri, who arrived at Augsburg this summer from Dortmund rivals Schalke, had a terrific game as he scored a goal and set up another.
They then had a goalless draw away to Wolfsburg just before the international break.
Augsburg’s first three matches have followed a similar pattern: they allow their opponents majority of possession and give up a number of chances. But they break quickly whenever possible and have scored five goals from fairly limited chances.
Augsburg’s strategy is unlikely to change all that much against Leipzig, who will look to dominate possession for most of the match. Augsburg are currently tied with Wolfsburg for the best defensive record in the league with just one goal conceded through three games.
Manager Heiko Herrlich missed Augsburg’s most recent match against Wolfsburg due to a collapsed lung, but he has now recovered and looks set to return to the sideline against Leipzig.
Leipzig adjusting to life without Werner
RB Leipzig seem to be adjusting well to life without Timo Werner if their early Bundesliga 2020 results are anything to go by. The Red Bulls have already scored eight goals in three games sans their star striker, and they’ve picked up two wins and a draw.
Granted, their two wins and seven of their goals came against two of the worst teams in the league thus far — Mainz and Schalke — and they drew against Bayer Leverkusen. But they still dominated quite convincingly in their wins as Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann continues to show just how capable he is in terms of setting up his attack.
Replacing Werner has been a team effort; they already have six different goalscorers this season, three of which are defenders.
Leipzig’s marquee summer signing, striker Alexander Sorloth, has yet to make a start this season. But he did score in Norway’s 4-0 win over Romania, which could help convince Nagelsmann to give him his shot.
If Sorloth doesn’t get the start, Nagelsmann will likely go with Yussuf Poulsen or Emil Forsberg to lead the attack. Forsberg has had a strong start to the season with two goals and an assist in his first three games.
Leipzig could also be handed a boost by the potential return of captain Marcel Sabitzer, who has yet to feature this season after suffering a thigh injury. Sabitzer is coming off a terrific first season under Nagelsmann as he had nine goals and seven assists — both new single-season marks in the Bundesliga.
History
Leipzig and Augsburg have only faced off eight times in the Bundesliga. Leipzig hold the decided edge in terms of wins (4-1), with three draws.
They’ve also met three times in the DFB Pokal. Augsburg won their first two meetings in 2011 and 2013, but Leipzig came out on top in their latest meeting in 2019.
The Red Bulls beat Augsburg in both of their Bundesliga meetings last season. Werner bagged a brace in their 2-1 win at Augsburg.
Betting Tip
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FC Augsburg vs RB Leipzig | RB Leipzig Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 1.97 |
| October 17, 21:30 (GMT+8) |
Unsurprisingly, SBOTOP odds have RB Leipzig priced as massive 1.58 favourites away against Augsburg, who are 5.20 underdogs at home despite being second place early on.
While Augsburg have picked up good results early on, their style of play remains unsustainable for success. They’ve ridden their luck to a certain extent by giving up just one goal amid the numerous chances they’ve conceded.
Augsburg’s luck figures to run out against Leipzig, who have the attack to put them under immense pressure and also have the defence that can prevent sudden counterattacks.
Leipzig have taken care of business against weaker opposition thus far, and expect them to do the same against Augsburg. Take Leipzig on the Asian Handicap as they figure to win this match by at least a two-goal margin.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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