RB Leipzig's top-four credentials are set for a thorough examination when surprise package Augsburg visit the Red Bull Arena on Friday (kick-off: 20:30CET/19:30GMT).
Leipzig moved back up to third in the standings thanks to English youngster Ademola Lookman's debut goal against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Matchday 21. The Everton loanee started the game on the bench, but may have done enough to play his way into the starting line-up, ahead of Bruma. Stefan Ilsanker, another substitute in Gladbach, is an alternative to Lukas Klostermann at left-back, but head coach Ralph Hasenhüttl said this week that he won't be taking any unnecessary risks with last season's assist king Emil Forsberg, who is back in team training after eight games out with a pubic bone injury.
Watch: Ademola Lookman's debut winner against Gladbach
No matter who lines up for Leipzig, Augsburg will go into the game high on confidence. Manuel Baum's side continue to defy expectations in his first full season as head coach, with their 3-0 demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt propelling the Bavarians to within two points of the top six - and only four behind Leipzig. Midfielder Rani Khedira, who this week turned down the opportunity to be considered for selection by the Tunisia national team, returns from suspension, but striker Alfred Finnbogason has been ruled out for a number of weeks with a calf injury. Raphael Framberger is set to continue at right-back in the absence of Daniel Opare.
Probable line-ups
Leipzig: Gulacsi – Laimer, Orban, Upamecano, Klostermann – Kampl, Demme, Keita – Sabitzer, Werner, Bruma
Absentees: Halstenberg (knee)
Coach: Ralph Hasenhüttl
Augsburg: Hitz – Framberger, Danso, Hinteregger, Max – Khedira, Baier – Heller, Koo, Caiuby – Gregoritsch
Absentees: Finnbogason (calf), Gouweleeuw (knee), Richter (ankle), Opare (disciplinary)
Coach: Manuel Baum
Match stats
These sides have one win apiece from the three Bundesliga encounters (D1), but Augsburg won both DFB Cup meetings in Leipzig in 2012 and 2014.Of all current Bundesliga teams, Augsburg have the worst record on Friday nights, averaging just 0.5 points per game. They haven’t won on a Friday in four years (12 games).On the other hand, Leipzig are the best with a blemish-free record – four wins, one draw.Augsburg’s Rani Khedira was an RB player from 2014 to 2017. The brother of world champion Sami has become a regular in defensive midfield alongside Daniel Baier.Leipzig goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo made his only Bundesliga appearance in the 1-0 defeat earlier this season.Michael Gregoritsch scored the only goal of the game in the previous encounter. It was his first Bundesliga goal for Augsburg.
Source: bundesliga.com