Augsburg vs B. Monchengladbach prediction: GERMANY: Bundesliga betting tips on match 2023-08-18 13:30.
Itâs a borderline recurring miracle that Augsburg have now retained their Bundesliga status for more than a decade, especially after finishing last campaign within three points of the relegation zone for the fifth time in their 12th consecutive top-flight Bundesliga season. It remains to be seen whether âunlucky number 13â will prompt the demise of Enrico MaaĂenâs men, as the 60th edition of the Bundesliga promises to be as unforgiving as ever!
Widely considered to be amongst the leading contenders for relegation once again, the FuggerstĂ€dter have already whittled down their ambitions this season to little more than top-flight survival. An early exit from the DFB-Pokal at the hands of third-tier side Unterhaching was âbitterly disappointingâ for MaaĂen and described by midfielder Niklas Dorsch as âa huge wake-up callâ, so the Augsburg faithful can expect a spirited reply at home, where they avoided defeat in seven of their last nine Bundesliga outings last campaign (W5, D2).
There was no such âcupsetâ for visitors Borussia Mönchengladbach, who left no stone unturned in their 7-0 demolition of fifth-tier BersenbrĂŒck. Thatâs a positive start to what could be considered a rebuilding season for Gladbach, seeing as back-to-back tenth place finishes may be seen as below par for the five-time Bundesliga winners. Their aspirations for 2022/23 may be more modest than adding to that tally of league titles, the most recent of which came in the 1970s.
A host of summer signings and departures along with the appointment of new manager Gerardo Seoane is a positive sign of intent. Perhaps most encouragingly, new recruits contributed six of their seven goals in that midweek cup win, including two goals and an assist from Franck Honorat on his 27th birthday! The travelling Foals fans will hope that rout culminates in a more fruitful trip to Bavaria this time, having only won once in 12 top-flight ventures to Augsburg (D5, L6).
Players to watch: MĂ«rgim Berisha made his loan move to the WWK Arena permanent over the summer, after scoring the match opener in six of his eight Bundesliga goal-scoring outings made him both an instant hit and the clubâs top scorer last campaign. Meanwhile, Gladbach fans should be excited about new signing TomĂĄĆĄ ÄvanÄara who bagged a brace against BersenbrĂŒck. Nineteen of his last 23 club goals have come away from home!
Hot stat: Augsburg have won their opening Bundesliga match of a season only twice in their history (D1, L9).