Augsburg vs Borussia Dortmund preview: BVB look to bounce back after European heartbreak

Augsburg

Despite conceding three goals to Freiburg, Augsburg allowed only one major chance from their opponents, one fewer than they created themselves. However, the team’s defensive weaknesses are evident this season; their 18 goals conceded ranks them as the second-worst defence in the Bundesliga.

Head coach Jess Thorup remarked before the Freiburg match that it would provide a useful gauge of his squad’s current level, and it’s fair to assume Augsburg may find themselves in a season-long relegation struggle.

Thorup’s team has managed two wins and three losses in their last five league matches, but they've suffered defeat in nine of their past 12 Bundesliga outings.

On a positive note, Augsburg has shown resilience at WWK Arena, securing two wins, one draw, and just one loss in their last four home league games. Over their last ten Bundesliga matches on home turf, they’ve won five, drawn two, and lost three.

Team News

The hosts will need to continue to manage without goalkeeper Daniel Klein and defender Mads Valentin Pedersen, sidelined until early and late November, respectively.

Winger Fredrik Jensen and attacking midfielder Ruben Vargas are also unavailable until next month, so Samuel Essende and Phillip Tietz are expected to lead the attack

Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund enter this match coming off a frustrating loss to Real Madrid, despite having held a 2-0 lead by halftime and managing to keep a clean sheet until the 60th minute.

One bright spot for Dortmund was the performance of young talent Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, who scored and continued to impress with his skill and promise.

Coach Nuri Sahin took responsibility for the loss, acknowledging that his tactical switch from a back four to a back three in the 55th minute proved pivotal.

In their previous league outing, Dortmund narrowly defeated newly promoted St. Pauli 2-1, creating six clear scoring opportunities, though they still allowed two major chances themselves.

Dortmund have struggled defensively, with two losses in their last three games and nine goals conceded during that stretch, though they had won five of the seven prior games across all competitions.

On the road, Dortmund's form has been particularly challenging. They have lost their last three away matches, conceding a total of 12 goals, and have only managed one draw while suffering four losses in their previous five Bundesliga away games, letting in 14 goals over that period.

Team News

Sahin faces selection challenges as Karim Adeyemi is out with a hamstring injury and a muscle problem sidelines Yan Couto.

Additionally, winger Julien Duranville and forward Giovanni Reyna are not due back until next month, while centre-back Niklas Süle remains doubtful.

Waldemar Anton and Nico Schlotterbeck are expected to form the central defence, with Emre Can and Pascal Groß potentially stepping in for Marcel Sabitzer and Felix Nmecha, who started in midfield against Real Madrid.