Bayer Leverkusen is aiming to boost their chances of securing a spot in the top four as they prepare to host Augsburg this weekend at the BayArena.
Following a significant victory over Borussia Dortmund in their last Bundesliga fixture, Die Werkself are currently on 42 points, just four points adrift of fourth-placed RB Leipzig heading into Matchday 30.
Leverkusen anticipates the return of Jarell Quansah, who has completed training after a three-week absence due to a thigh injury. He is expected to form a three-man defense alongside Andrich and Edmond Tapsoba. Exequiel Palacios and Aleix García are likely to retain their midfield starting positions. Due to Martin Terrier’s injury, Ibrahim Maza and Nathan Tella are expected to play in support of striker Patrik Schick.
Augsburg, sitting comfortably in 10th place with 33 points, holds an eight-point advantage over the relegation zone. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Manuel Baum’s squad appears poised for a mid-table finish. Although the Fuggerstädter defeated Leverkusen 2-0 at home in December, their recent form suggests a challenging outing in this upcoming match.
Chrislain Matsima continues his recovery from a torn hamstring. Robin Fellhauer and Fabian Rieder are slated to start in midfield.
Predicted Lineups for Bayer Leverkusen vs. Augsburg
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.
