Can Stuttgart overtake Augsburg?

Place 16 receives place 14 and possibly goes into the race as a slight favorite. VfB Stuttgart has been able to make positive headlines again in the recent past. Four points from two games speak for the fact that the team is intact and still functioning.

Augsburg, on the other hand, has been proving for years that they are always able to pull their heads out of the noose and win important games. The best example of this was the particularly important “three-pointer” in Bielefeld.

Now this match is about more than just three points for both. A defeat should be avoided at all costs for both. A win for Stuttgart would mean that they would draw level on points with Augsburg. Even if they still have a game of catch-up to play, they would be right back in the thick of the relegation battle at a stroke. In contrast, a triumph for FCA would be worth its weight in gold, because they could increase the gap to the relegation zone to six points. Nevertheless, the forecasts for Stuttgart vs. Augsburg are slightly in favor of the hosts. This match has often offered a spectacle in the past.

VfB Stuttgart – statistics & current form

Stuttgart finally rewards itself

VfB went through quite a bit in recent weeks. Several games were given away in the final minutes or decided for the opponent by their own avoidable mistakes and resulting penalties.

Nevertheless, the last two appearances gave hope when they were also initially trailing. A convincing performance two weeks ago at home against Gladbach was a real explosion of performance. Even though that was followed by a fortunate draw at Union Berlin, the realization has matured that you can take something countable from even mediocre games.

Only one win counts

If Stuttgart don’t lose again, it would be only the second time this season that they have gone three games in a row without a defeat. Nevertheless, it can only be about a win for Stuttgart. A division of points would not really help.

Even though they only picked up six points from nine games in the second half of the season, which is well below the average for the first half (one point per game), the last two performances were encouraging. For the first time in 2022, VfB managed to remain unbeaten in two consecutive games. The bookmakers suggest for the duel between Stuttgart and Augsburg based on their betting odds that they see the home side as favorites.

Back to offensive strength

Reassuringly for coach Materrazzo, his team has been able to create scoring chances and score goals consistently again of late. Things looked different in the first three appearances after the winter break, when they went three times in a row without scoring any goals of their own. Especially the game against Gladbach reminded of past games from last season when the Swabians inspired many.

Especially Sasa Kalajdzic will be looking forward to the home match against Augsburg. Last time he scored twice against FCA in the Mercedes-Benz Arena. In Stuttgart vs Augsburg, the odds are even on over or under goals. Both are within the realm of possibility for the bookmakers.

However, in their own defensive lineup, it is important for Stuttgart to put an end to a conspicuously bad statistic. The VFB is the only team in the entire league, which has not yet been able to play to zero at home this season.

Predicted lineup of VfB Stuttgart:
Müller – Mavropanos, Ito, Anton, Sosa – Karazor, Endo – Tomas, Führich, Marmoush – Kalajdzic

Last matches played by VfB Stuttgart:

Bundesliga
03/12 2022 – Union Berlin 1 – 1 VfB Stuttgart

03/05 2022 – VfB Stuttgart 3 – 2 Gladbach

02/25 2022 – Hoffenheim 2 – 1 VfB Stuttgart

02/19 2022 – VfB Stuttgart 1 – 1 VfL Bochum

02/12 2022 – Bayer Leverkusen 4 – 2 VfB Stuttgart

Augsburg – statistics & current form

Augsburg also looks back on two good games recently. First the fought draw against Dortmund, in which the mentality of all players was right and then the deserved victory in the relegation duel against Bielefeld. Thanks to these four points, FCA has secured a good starting position for the time being. Even though the greater pressure is on Stuttgart, a defeat would be just as bitter for Augsburg.

A point on average

Until now, Augsburg have averaged exactly one point per game in the second half of the season. Most recently with four points from two games, which was managed in a combined six games before that. Even if the forecasts on the three-way market for the Stuttgart vs. Augsburg match are more in favor of the hosts, the Augsburgers should by no means be underestimated. A similar situation prevailed ahead of the game at Arminia Bielefeld last weekend when Caligiuri provided the decisive goal.

New system also against Stuttgart?

Before the match against Borussia Dortmund, Weinzierl, who has also coached VFB, switched to a three-man or five-man backline – with success! From a stable defensive order with three giants in the center of defense, Augsburg was still able to set dangerous pinpricks forward again and again and score for the first time in over two years in eight games in a row. Now, Felix Uduokhai, one of these three players from the back line, is out for a longer period of time due to injury. Whether this bitter loss can be adequately replaced remains to be seen. Most recently, Frederik Winther replaced him in the team and did a decent job. It is good news for FCA that midfield strategist Dorsch can play again.

Predicted lineup of Augsburg:
Gikiewicz – Winther, Uduokhai, Gouweleeuw – Iago, Dorsch, Maier, Caligiuri – Vargas, Hahn, Gregoritsch

Last matches played by Augsburg:

Bundesliga
03/04 2022 – Arminia Bielefeld 0 – 1 Augsburg

02/27 2022 – Augsburg 1 – 1 Borussia Dortmund

02/19 2022 – Augsburg 1 – 2 SC Freiburg

02/12 2022 – Gladbach 3 – 2 Augsburg

02/05 2022 – Augsburg 2 – 0 Union Berlin

VfB Stuttgart – Augsburg Direct comparison / H2H balance

21 matches both teams played against each other. Eleven games they could decide in their favor. Nine times the VFB won and only one encounter ended with a score draw. Looking at the results, FCA’s 4:1 home win from the first leg jumps to mind. Stuttgart will have a score to settle here and will do everything in their power to straighten out this result. D
Meanwhile, VFB won the last two home games against Augsburg. Three home games in a row, however, the Swabians could never win against FCA.

VfB Stuttgart – Augsburg tip

Stuttgart seems to have finally woken up. The form curve has been pointing upwards again in recent weeks. The team spirit within the team seems to be right. The coach’s relationship with the team also seems intact.

The picture is similar on the opposite side at Augsburg. Even if they can’t always keep up with Stuttgart in terms of play, the Bavarian Swabians are convincing with their commitment and will. Here, too, it can be assumed that the team will not give up.

In the last four direct encounters between the two teams, there were always at least three goals. To be exact, in three of the four games at least five goals were scored in total. We therefore think that a bet on “Both score” is quite possible at fair odds in the upcoming duel between Stuttgart and Augsburg and bet five units accordingly.