Bayer Leverkusen vs Augsburg preview: Last chance for outside title shot | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen look highly unlikely to win the Meisterschale (Bundesliga trophy) this year as they need consecutive Bayern Munich losses and a run of wins in their own fixtures to become champions.

Last week, due to a disappointing equaliser from St. Pauli in the 78th minute, Bayer 04 were left eight points off first place.

Opting to put both Nathan Tella and Patrick Schick up front against the north German side, after the game Bayer's coach Xabi Alonso said: “The title race is mathematically not over. However, sadly in this game we couldn't make the most of our counter-attacking chances.”

Czech international Patrick Schick has refound his pre-injury form from 2022 and sits on 18 goals this season in the Bundesliga (in doing so he is Bayer Leverkusen's highest goalscorer).

Adding to this, Bayer Leverkusen have not lost against Augsburg since 2023 where the Bavarian side did the double over them in the league (baring in mind the first game was not under Xabi Alonso).

Finally, ahead of the game against Augsburg, Bayer 04 coach Xabi Alonso said: “I am not happy with our football in the last two weeks. I think tomorrow we will show a better account of ourselves against Augsburg.”

Team news

Bayer Leverkusen are without Martin Terrier and Mario Hermoso due to injury. Jeanuël Boecian, Nordi Mukiele and Alejo Sarco are all ruled out aswell.

Augsburg

Augsburg are still fighting for a European spot even this late into the season, mostly due to a lack of points being picked up by those above them.

With a four point gap up to the top six, Augsburg need to get all three points against Leverkusen to try and secure a Europa league spot.

They currently also have an away streak of eight unbeaten games in the Bundesliga with their last loss coming against Holstein Kiel in December.

Last time out, they took a healthy point at home against likely future Champions League side Eintracht Frankfurt thanks to some great stops from Finn Dahmen.

The young German has the highest clean sheet percentage (60%) in the Bundesliga this season and has kept nine clean sheets this campaign.

Before the crucial match, Augsburg coach Jess Thorup said: “I want to try and get as many points as possible in the final games. We want to work our way up the table and continue positive developments.”

Team news

Noahkai Banks, Arne Maier and Yusuf Kabadayi are all out for Augsburg. Mergim Berisha remains a doubt due to his leg problems.