Bayern Munich have made a flying start to the new Bundesliga season, following up a 5-0 win over Hamburg with a 2-1 victory away at Hoffenheim and a 3-0 one at home to Bayer Leverkusen. Pep Guardiola’s side have once again hit the ground running, and it’s already nigh-on impossible to imagine anyone halting their bid for a fourth consecutive German league title.
Bayern Munich vs. Augsburg 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Augsburg head to the Allianz-Arena on Saturday in search of their first win of the Bundesliga season.
Matthias Hangst/Getty Images
The next unfortunate team in their path is Augsburg, who travel to the Allianz-Arena on Saturday -- presumably with the hope of just avoiding public humiliation. Markus Weinzierl’s outfit were only promoted to the German top tier for the first time in 2011, though they’ve steadily adapted to the rigors of the top tier and impressively qualified for Europe for the first time with a fifth-place finish last season. Alas, they’re still no match for their Bavarian hosts, and it’d be a surprise if they managed to avoid defeat.
Key player: Thomas Müller (Bayern Munich)
It’s little wonder that Thomas Müller is currently regarded as one of the most valuable players in world football, with the attacker -- who will celebrate his 26th birthday on Sunday -- having been an instrumental part of Bayern’s success over the last few seasons. He lacks the explosive power of Ronaldo and the elegant poise of Messi, but his genius lies in excellent movement, invariably enabling him to arrive in the penalty area at just the right time.
Upset potential - Low
On paper, Augsburg are one of the best of the Bundesliga rest, and they managed to achieve the rare feat of an away win at Bayern Munich back in May. However, they’ve had a difficult start to the current season, picking up just one point from their opening three games. Of all the places that they could kick-start their new campaign, they’re unlikely to do it at the Allianz-Arena.
Bayern Munich injuries and suspensions
Out: Franck Ribéry (ankle), Holger Badstuber, Arjen Robben (thigh), Jan Kirchhoff (achilles), Javi Martínez (knee). In doubt: Medhi Benatia (thigh).
Augsburg injuries and suspensions
Out: Marco Schuster (abductor tear), Jan Morávek (unspecified), Shawn Parker (knee), Daniel Opare (muscle strain). In doubt: Piotr Trochowski (knee), Konstantinos Stafylidis (muscle tear), Tim Matavž (thigh).
Bayern Munich will be without both Franck Ribéry and Arjen Robben, with a thigh injury forcing the latter into joining his French counterpart on the sidelines. Defenders Jan Kirchhoff and Holger Badstuber and midfielder Javi Martínez will both also miss out, though Medhi Benatia could return if he recovers from the thigh injury sustained in the win over Hoffenheim.
Augsburg have even more players on the sidelines: defender Daniel Opare, midfielders Marco Schuster and Jan Morávek and striker Shawn Parker are certainly unavailable; while summer signings Piotr Trochowski and Konstantinos Stafylidis, and target man Tim Matavž all face late fitness tests.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 9:30 a.m. ET, 3:30 p.m. local
Venue: Allianz-Arena, Munich, Germany
TV: Fox Sports 1 (U.S.), Sportsnet World (Canada)
Online: Fox Sports GO, Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
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