Leverkusen are undefeated in their last 19 matches against Augsburg in all competitions. There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Leverkusen's last 7 games (Bundesliga). Augsburg have failed to win 15 of their last 16 away matches (Bundesliga). Leverkusen have scored at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 7 matches (Bundesliga). Leverkusen have scored at least 2 goals in 5 of their last 6 matches against Augsburg in all competitions.
Former German international Kerem Demirbay is suspended after picking up five yellow cards. Back up keeper Andrey Lunev needs an op and will be out for several months after an injury in training. Niklas Lomb and Paulinho both have COVID. Charles Aranguiz is nearing a return from a calf injury, but Daley Sinkgraven has suffered a muscle tear. Defenders Odilon Kossounou and Edmond Tapsoba are both away on Africa Cup of Nations duty as well. Austrian Julian Baumgartlinger nears a return from a knee injury and Mitchel Bakker is back from an ankle injury. Record signing Ricardo Pepi has joined from FC Dallas, but has failed to impress so far. Jeffrey Gouweleeuw is struggling with a knock, so English centre-back Reece Oxford will likely return to defence. Fellow defender Felix Uduokhai is a welcome returnee after an absence of over four months. Tomas Koubek has tested positive for COVID, while Iceland striker Alfred Finnbogason cannot shake off a muscle injury. Noah Sarenren Bazee is over a knee injury, while Tobias Strobl is ruled out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury.
Augsburg did manage to beat leaders Bayern, but face another relegation battle, something that FCA have become no strangers to in recent seasons. Bayer Leverkusen's last five league games have seen 21 goals in total, so goals can be expected. Leverkusen overcame two missed penalties to edge Gladbach last weekend to move into third and have never lost to Augsburg in 21 games, the longest unbeaten streak against any club in Bundesliga history. Prolific goalscorer Patrik Schick has scored 18 league goals this season and the Czech goal machine can help secure a narrow win against struggling Augsburg. 2:1