We're being graced with another Bavarian Derby this weekend when Bayern Munich travel to Augsburg. Their positions in the table are near polar opposites with Bayern in first place on 38 points and Augsburg in 17th place on 8 points.
Augsburg vs. Bayern Munich 2012: Preview and TV schedule
Bayern Munich make the short trip down the A8 to Augsburg in another Bavarian Derby.
Bayern are coming off of a midweek match where they smashed BATE Borisov on their way to winning their Champions League group and solidifying a place in the knockout rounds. Last weekend they hosted Borussia Dortmund in a massive Bundesliga match and came away with a share of the points. At the moment, they’re a full eight points ahead of second place Bayer Leverkusen.
Augsburg picked up their eighth point of the season last weekend in a 1-1 draw with Freiburg. They’re currently on an eight match winless streak, and the likelihood of that being snapped against Bayern are slim and none.
The two sides will face each other again in ten days in the third round of the DFB Pokal. That match will also be at the SGL Arena. Sandwiched in between the matches is Augsburg visiting fellow relegation candidate Greuther Fürth and Bayern hosting Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Bayern should cruise to victory on Saturday behind the massive arsenal of weapons up front. There aren't many managers in the world that get to choose between starting two forwards the quality of Mario Gomez and Mario Mandzukic like Jupp Heynckes. Plus, Franck Ribery returns to the side this weekend. Who doesn't love some Ribery?
Augsburg injuries and suspensions
Out: Simon Jentzsch (finger), Dominik Reinhardt (toe), Paul Verhaegh (ankle), Matthias Ostrzolek (groin), Jan Moravek (thigh). In doubt: Sebastian Langkamp (hamstring).
Mohamed Amsif will obviously be starting in goal with Simon Jentzsch out. With Matthias Ostrzolek missing out, Marcel de Jong will get the start at left back this week. The big question for Augsburg will be if Sebastian Langkamp is forced to miss the match with his injury. If so, we’ll see Ragnar Klavan and Gibril Sankoh start at centerback again.
Bayern Munich injuries and suspensions
Out: Holger Badstuber (knee), Arjen Robben (back), Emre Can (ankle), Luiz Gustavo (groin). In Doubt: Claudio Pizarro (illness).
With Holger Badstuber out with the torn cruciate ligaments, Bayern will be forced to go with a combo of Dante and Jerome Boateng. Arjen Robben is allowed to continue his recovery with Xherdan Shaqiri available to step in if needed, and Javi Martinez can more than replace Luiz Gustavo next to Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Match Date/Time: 15:30 CET, 9:30 AM ET
Venue: SGL Arena, Augsburg, Germany
TV: Gol TV (USA & Canada)
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