Bayer Leverkusen vs. Augsburg Preview: Champions Targeting History

 The curtain closes on the 2023/24 Bundesliga season this weekend, and all eyes are on the BayArena in Leverkusen. Not for a nail-biting title race, which was settled weeks ago, but for a historic achievement within reach for the home side: Bayer Leverkusen can become the first team ever to go an entire Bundesliga season unbeaten. Their opponents, FC Augsburg, come into the match with their own motivations, needing a win and some favorable results to potentially snag a European spot.

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Leverkusen's Unprecedented Quest

Under the astute leadership of manager Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen have defied expectations all season. After years of flirting with the top four but ultimately falling short, they've finally reached the summit. Their brand of attacking, possession-based football has been a joy to watch, spearheaded by the ever-dangerous Moussa Diaby and the creative genius of Florian Wirtz.

The unbeaten run has been the story of the season. They've overcome early-season jitters, defensive lapses, and injuries to key players. Their resilience was on full display in their dramatic 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund in April, where they came back from two goals down.

This achievement would be a monumental one, etching their names into Bundesliga folklore. Manager Alonso spoke about the importance of the match: "We understand the weight of history on our shoulders. It's a chance to achieve something truly special, not just for the club, but for the fans and the entire city of Leverkusen. We'll approach the game with the same focus and determination that has gotten us here."

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Leverkusen Team News and Potential Rotation

With the Europa League final against Atalanta looming just four days later, Alonso is likely to rotate his squad. Defender Arthur, who impressed with two assists in his return from injury last week, could get a starting berth alongside Piero Hincapie at the back. Exequiel Palacios might be rested in midfield, with young prodigy Ayman Azhil given a chance to shine.

Up front, all eyes will be on whether star striker Patrik Schick starts. The Czech international is the league's second-highest scorer with 27 goals, and Leverkusen will be keen to maintain his scoring form heading into the European showpiece.

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Augsburg's European Dream

While Leverkusen bask in the glory of their unbeaten run, Augsburg have their sights set on a different kind of achievement. Currently sitting in 10th place, they harbor a faint hope of sneaking into Europe. However, they need a win and a significant dose of luck.

Their path is clear: win against Leverkusen and hope for Freiburg to lose to Union Berlin. Even then, goal difference could come into play if Werder Bremen and Heidenheim also win their matches. Manager Markus Weinzierl is aware of the long odds: "We know it's a tall order, but that's the beauty of football. We'll give it our all against Leverkusen and see where it takes us."

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Augsburg Team News and Approach

Weinzierl is expected to field a strong lineup, with captain Jeffrey Gouweleeuw leading the defense. Augsburg will likely adopt a pragmatic approach, looking to frustrate Leverkusen with a compact defense and hit them on the counter-attack. Midfielder Fredrik Jensen, known for his long-range shooting, could be a key figure in their quest for an upset.

Key Players to Watch

• Bayer Leverkusen:
  • Moussa Diaby: The French winger has been Leverkusen's biggest threat all season. His pace, dribbling skills, and ability to create chances will be crucial against Augsburg's compact defense.
  • Florian Wirtz: The young playmaker is the creative spark behind Leverkusen's attack. His vision and passing ability will be key to unlocking Augsburg's defense.
  • Patrik Schick (if he starts): The league's second-highest scorer will be looking to add to his tally and keep his scoring form hot ahead of the Europa League final.
• FC Augsburg:
• Jeffrey Gouweleeuw: The experienced defender will be Augsburg's defensive rock, leading the backline against Leverkusen's potent attack.
• Fredrik Jensen: The midfielder's long-range shooting could be a weapon against Leverkusen, potentially creating goalscoring opportunities from distance.
• Ermedin Demirović: The Bosnian striker will be Augsburg's main attacking outlet. His physical presence and ability to hold up the ball will be crucial in their counter-attacking approach.

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Prediction

While history beckons for Leverkusen, they shouldn't underestimate Augsburg's desire to end the season on a high. Expect a tight and tense encounter, with Leverkusen edging it out 2-0 thanks to their superior attacking firepower. But regardless of the result, the

Bayer Leverkusen vs. Augsburg: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Matchup

• Who: Bayer Leverkusen vs. FC Augsburg
• What: Bundesliga Matchday 34
• When: [Date of the match]
• Where: BayArena, Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen

• Can Leverkusen really go unbeaten all season?

Yes, Leverkusen has a chance to become the first team ever to achieve this feat in Bundesliga history. They need a win against Augsburg to secure this achievement.

• Will Leverkusen rotate their squad considering the Europa League final?

Manager Xabi Alonso is likely to rotate some players, giving opportunities to fringe players and resting key figures ahead of the European showpiece.

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• Will Patrik Schick start the match?

Schick's inclusion depends on Alonso's strategy. Leverkusen will want to maintain his scoring form, but they might also prioritize keeping him fresh for the Europa League final.

FC Augsburg

• What are Augsburg's chances of qualifying for Europe?

Augsburg's chances are slim. They need a win against Leverkusen and favorable results in other matches to potentially sneak into a European spot.

• What approach will Augsburg take?

Expect a pragmatic approach from Augsburg. They will likely defend compactly and try to hit Leverkusen on the counter-attack.

• Who are Augsburg's key players to watch?

Captain Jeffrey Gouweleeuw will be crucial in defense, while midfielder Fredrik Jensen and striker Ermedin Demirović will be Augsburg's main threats going forward.

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Prediction

• Who will win the match?

Despite Augsburg's desire for a strong finish, Leverkusen's superior attacking power is expected to see them through. The prediction is a 2-0 win for Leverkusen.

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