Augsburg vs Stuttgart: Betting Odds & Prediction
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Stuttgart continue to hunt down a top-two Bundesliga finish when they travel to mid-table Augsburg on Friday evening.
The away side come into the fixture after a 3-1 home win over second-placed Bayern Munich last weekend. Kick-off is set for 7:30pm UK time.
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Augsburg
Jess Thorup's side are targeting a first top-half finish in the Bundesliga since 2014/15, where they finished fifth under Markus Weinzierl. Recent results have hampered these ambitions, though. Three consecutive defeats to Frankfurt, Werder Bremen and Borussia Dortmund have left Augsburg just one point above the sides below them.
Conceding goals has been a problem for Thorup's men, typified by their last three outings, which have seen them ship a combined eleven goals. Overall, they've averaged a worrying 1.56 in home fixtures this term, registering only two clean sheets in the process.
Nevertheless, only six sides boast a better home record in the division, largely due to the 26 goals scored in front of their home fans. Leaving them with an average of 1.63 per home game, Augsburg have failed to find the net in only two home games so far.
Stuttgart
The victory over Bayern at the weekend has moved Stuttgart within two points of second-placed in the Bundesliga. Another win here would heap pressure on last year's champions, who are set to host Wolfsburg at the Allianz Arena on Sunday.
The achievements of Sebastian Hoeneß' men have gone under the radar courtesy of Bayer Leverkusen's remarkable success. After narrowly escaping relegation last season, Stuttgart have already secured a place in next season's Champions League.
Though they've not fared as well in away fixtures compared to matches at home, Stuttgart still boast the fourth-best away record in the Bundesliga. Six of their seven league losses have been on the road, though, and Stuttgart have only taken one point from their last two away encounters.
They've still managed an impressive 1.69 scored on their travels, but have been more susceptible at the back after conceding an average of 1.5 goals in away fixtures. They've also conceded four goals in their last two matches on the road.
Prediction
Stuttgart have certainly been more vulnerable in away fixtures but face an Augsburg side who have lost their last three, conceding a shed load of goals in the process. The away side's impressive attacking output, combined with their apparent weakness at the back, suggest a high-scoring encounter could be in store here.