Augsburg Vs Borussia Dortumord

Following a crushing 5-2 loss to Real Madrid in their midweek Champions League clash, Borussia Dortmund, led by Nuri Sahin, will be looking to recover and make a statement as they travel to the WWK Arena to face Augsburg in their eighth Bundesliga fixture of the season.

Current Standings and Recent Form

Dortmund, who enter the weekend sitting in seventh place in the Bundesliga with 13 points, will be eager to bounce back against an Augsburg side that has struggled this season. Augsburg currently occupies the 15th spot on the league table with just seven points from their first seven games. Their recent form saw them fall 3-1 to Freiburg last weekend, exposing weaknesses that Dortmund might look to exploit.

Augsburg’s Defensive Struggles

Despite only conceding three goals to Freiburg, Augsburg's defense allowed their opponents to create multiple scoring opportunities, signaling continued vulnerability at the back. Augsburg's record of 18 goals conceded so far ranks them as the second-leakiest defense in the Bundesliga. This fragility has been a concern for Augsburg manager Jess Thorup, who expressed before their Freiburg game that the fixture would reveal much about his squad's position in the league. With Augsburg now bracing for what could be a relegation battle, they hope for a morale boost against Dortmund.

Thorup’s team has managed two wins in their last five league outings but has lost nine of their last 12 Bundesliga matches. Their recent home form, however, has shown promise, with Augsburg securing two wins, a draw, and just one loss over their last four home games. Additionally, across their last ten home Bundesliga fixtures, they have managed five victories, three defeats, and two draws, offering a glimmer of hope for the hosts.

Dortmund’s Champions League Heartache

Dortmund's recent Champions League encounter against Real Madrid left fans and players disappointed, especially after taking a 2-0 lead at half-time. The German side managed to hold off Madrid's advances until the 60th minute, after which a series of defensive lapses allowed Real to mount an impressive comeback. However, young talent Jamie Bynoe-Gittens impressed by scoring a goal, further displaying his potential despite the defeat.

Nuri Sahin took responsibility for the team’s second-half collapse, pointing to his tactical decision to shift to a back three in the 55th minute as a crucial error. While this change was intended to offer more offensive flexibility, it ultimately contributed to defensive disorganization that Madrid capitalized on. Sahin will likely rethink his approach as he prepares his side for Augsburg, aiming to regain stability in defense while maintaining their attacking prowess.

Dortmund’s Recent Performance and Away Challenges

Domestically, Dortmund claimed a 2-1 victory over newly-promoted St. Pauli last Friday, creating six high-quality chances but still allowing two from the opposition. This inconsistency at the back has been a recurring theme for Dortmund, who have lost two of their last three games, conceding a concerning total of nine goals in the process.

Dortmund’s away form has been particularly troubling, with three consecutive losses on the road in all competitions. During this period, they’ve allowed 12 goals, a statistic Sahin will be keen to address as they prepare for Augsburg. In their last five away Bundesliga matches, Dortmund has suffered four defeats, managed one draw, and conceded 14 goals.

With both teams grappling with defensive issues, Saturday’s game promises to be a thrilling encounter where both managers will aim to solidify their defenses while capitalizing on their offensive strengths.