Bayer Leverkusen aims to strengthen their position in the top four race as they prepare to host Augsburg at the BayArena this weekend.
After a significant victory over Borussia Dortmund in their last Bundesliga fixture, Die Werkself (The Werkself) approach Matchday 30 with 42 points, placing them just four points behind fourth-placed RB Leipzig. Robert Andrich’s 42nd-minute goal secured that vital win.
The team is expected to welcome Jarell Quansah back into the lineup. The English defender has completed full training sessions after a three-week absence due to a thigh injury. He is anticipated to form a three-man defense alongside Andrich and Edmond Tapsoba. In midfield, Exequiel Palacios and Aleix García are set to retain their starting spots. Due to Martin Terrier’s injury, Ibrahim Maza and Nathan Tella are likely to play in supporting roles behind striker Patrik Schick.
Augsburg, currently in 10th place with 33 points, holds a comfortable eight-point lead over the relegation zone. It seems likely that Manuel Baum’s side will secure a mid-table finish. While Fuggerstädter (The Fugger City dwellers) defeated Leverkusen 2-0 in their home encounter last December, their recent form does not indicate a strong chance of securing three points in this upcoming match.
Chrislain Matsima is still recovering from a torn hamstring. Robin Fellhauer and Fabian Rieder are expected to start in the midfield for Augsburg.
Predicted Lineups for Bayer Leverkusen vs Augsburg:
Bayer Leverkusen: Flekken – Quansah, Andrich, Tapsoba – Culbreath, Aleix García, Palacios, Grimaldo – Maza, Tella – Schick.
Augsburg: Dahmen – Banks, Gouweleeuw, K. Schlotterbeck – Fellhauer, Massengo, Rieder, Giannoulis – Kade, Claude-Maurice – Gregoritsch.
