Augsburg vs Stuttgart

Stuttgart will look to kick off 2025 with a strong start, aiming to return to winning ways when they face Augsburg in the Bundesliga on Sunday. The match will be held at Augsburg’s WWK Arena, where the hosts are struggling for consistency. Despite a challenging season, Augsburg will hope to turn things around against a Stuttgart side that also has its share of difficulties, but remains optimistic after a solid series of performances earlier in the season.

Augsburg’s recent results have not been promising, with the team currently occupying 13th place in the Bundesliga standings with just 16 points from 15 matches. Their most recent outing was a heavy defeat at the hands of Holstein Kiel, losing 5-1 in a forgettable performance on December 21, 2024. This loss came after they had taken an early lead in the match, only to be overwhelmed by a four-goal collapse in the first half. The defeat was a bitter disappointment for head coach Jess Thorup, who has challenged his players to show resilience and respond to the defeat when they face Stuttgart. In his post-match comments, Thorup emphasized the need for his team to demonstrate the "FC Augsburg DNA" on the field, focusing on passion, strength, and commitment. "If we can do that, then we're on our way to picking up points," Thorup said, stressing the importance of a reaction from his players.

Augsburg’s struggles have been evident not just in their latest loss but throughout the season. They have only scored 17 goals in the Bundesliga, which ranks as the fourth-worst tally in the league. Their defensive issues are just as troubling, with 32 goals conceded so far, putting them on the same low ranking for goals allowed. These statistics highlight the challenges Augsburg has faced, particularly in finding a consistent attacking rhythm and tightening their defense. With only one win, three draws, and three losses in their last seven Bundesliga matches, the team’s form has been inconsistent at best.

However, Augsburg's home form offers some glimmer of hope for Thorup’s side. Despite their overall struggles, they have been more resilient at home, having won five of their nine matches at WWK Arena. They have also drawn two and lost only two of their home fixtures this season, which suggests that playing in front of their own fans could provide the boost they need to secure a positive result against Stuttgart.

On the other hand, Stuttgart’s campaign has been somewhat better, though their recent form has been far from perfect. With 23 points from 15 matches, the team currently sits in 10th place in the league standings. Stuttgart also experienced a setback in their last match before the winter break, suffering a 1-0 loss to St Pauli on December 21. Despite creating several scoring opportunities, Stuttgart was unable to capitalize on their chances. They generated four big chances during the match but failed to find the back of the net. Their defensive frailty was also evident, as they were fortunate to have only conceded once, given that St Pauli created five big chances in the match.

Head coach Sebastian Hoeness was particularly critical of his team’s finishing in the final third following the loss to St Pauli. "It hurts to end the year with a defeat," Hoeness lamented after the game. "We had our moments and chances, but just didn’t manage to score. That’s something we have to be self-critical about today." Despite the disappointment of the defeat, Stuttgart’s overall performance earlier in the season has been encouraging. They finished last season with a solid goal-scoring record, netting 78 goals in the league, though they are currently on track to score fewer this season, with projections suggesting a total of around 65 goals by the end of the campaign.

Before their loss to St Pauli, Stuttgart had been in impressive form, winning four consecutive matches with a combined score of 14-4. This run of victories was a testament to the attacking potential of Hoeness’s side, with the team showing their ability to score goals and manage games effectively. Moreover, Stuttgart has been strong on the road, with only one defeat in their last six away matches. In that period, they won three matches and drew two, further highlighting their ability to perform away from home.

While Stuttgart’s recent form has been mixed, they are undoubtedly a team that can cause problems for Augsburg. The visitors will be hoping to capitalize on Augsburg's defensive vulnerabilities and make use of the attacking prowess they have shown in recent weeks. Hoeness will be looking for his team to be more clinical in front of goal, addressing the missed opportunities against St Pauli and ensuring that they take their chances when they come. Given the current circumstances, Stuttgart will approach this match with confidence, knowing that a win would provide a much-needed boost for the second half of the season.

As the match approaches, both teams will be looking to make a statement. Augsburg needs to bounce back from their heavy defeat to Holstein Kiel and regain some momentum, particularly as they continue to fight to avoid getting sucked into a relegation battle. For Stuttgart, securing all three points would be an important step in their quest to climb the standings and challenge for a higher finish, as they aim to build on their positive performances and return to their goal-scoring ways.

In the lead-up to the match, both managers will undoubtedly be focusing on their teams’ mental and tactical preparations. For Augsburg, Thorup will be keen to instill a sense of belief and determination in his players, urging them to show the spirit needed to turn their fortunes around. On the other side, Hoeness will be working on sharpening his team’s finishing and ensuring that they remain solid at the back, avoiding the defensive lapses that have cost them in previous matches.

Overall, this fixture presents a crucial opportunity for both Augsburg and Stuttgart to start 2025 on a positive note. With Augsburg’s home form offering some hope and Stuttgart’s attacking capabilities still very much intact, fans can expect an intriguing and competitive encounter at WWK Arena. Both teams will be desperate to avoid further setbacks and will no doubt be looking to make an impact in the early stages of the new year.