Augsburg showcased their attacking prowess in a dominant 6-0 victory against Darmstadt, capitalizing on a myriad of defensive errors from their opponents. This impressive win equaled their joint-biggest victory in the competition, leaving them within touching distance of the top half of the table. With back-to-back wins under their belt, Augsburg will be aiming to bridge that gap further with another resounding result against Heidenheim, reminiscent of their stunning 5-2 reverse victory.
Augsburg has shown gradual improvement at home this season, evident in their recent performances. In their last three home league games, they have scored exactly twice, and each time they have managed to secure an improving end result (W1, D1, L1). As favorites, Augsburg rarely flounder, having suffered just one defeat in league action when favored by the bookmakers (W5, D2, L1).
On the other hand, Heidenheim will be looking to upset the odds after being leapfrogged by Augsburg in the previous round. Heidenheim endured a three-game winless run (D1, L2), but they remain 11 points above the relegation zone as they approach the business end of their first-ever top-flight season. With a possible 30 points still up for grabs, Heidenheim cannot afford to rest on their laurels.
Interestingly, playing away from home may actually suit Heidenheim. They have remained unbeaten in a club record five consecutive Bundesliga road trips (W2, D3). This impressive run comes after failing to win any of their first seven away trips in the competition (D1, L6). The team’s improvement on the road cannot be understated, although it is worth noting that they have squandered leads to draw in two of their last three away contests.
In terms of players to watch, Augsburg’s Ermedin Demirović has been instrumental this season, contributing to a joint league-high of 22 goals (G14, A8). In the previous round, Demirović scored three goals, and he also found the back of the net in the reverse fixture against Heidenheim. Tim Kleindienst, on the other hand, has been a key figure for Heidenheim, often putting his team ahead early in matches. However, three of his last five scoring appearances have ended in defeat for his side.
A notable statistic for Augsburg is that a remarkable 92% of their home league games this season have seen both teams score. This highlights their attacking prowess but also suggests potential defensive vulnerabilities that Heidenheim could exploit.
In conclusion, Augsburg’s resounding victory against Darmstadt showcased their attacking prowess and highlighted the defensive errors made by their opponents. With consecutive wins under their belt, Augsburg will be eager to continue their ascent up the table with another strong performance against Heidenheim. However, Heidenheim’s recent improvement on the road and their determination to secure their top-flight status make them a formidable opponent. This clash promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams possessing players who can make a significant impact on the outcome of the match.