FC Augsburg vs Hoffenheim
German Bundesliga
Date: Saturday 21st January, 2017
Kick-off: 14:30/15:30 CET
Venue: WWK ARENA, Augsburg.
Reason For Augsburg vs Hoffenheim Betting Tips
With coach Manuel Baum confirmed until the end of the season, Augsburg should now look to build on the string of positive results with which they ended 2016, which includes an impressive 1-1 draw away to Borussia Dortmund. Though Augsburg sit 12th and two points off the top ten, the Bavarians have suffered just six defeats (8th lowest in the Bundesliga), which sets a new club record for the halfway point in the season, regardless of the result here.
Meanwhile, Hoffenheim are the only side from any of the top six European divisions to remain unbeaten at this point of the season (W6 D10) and they look to set records of their own in becoming only the sixth side in Bundesliga history to reach the halfway mark undefeated by taking at least a draw here. Coach Julian Nagelsmann’s fluid 3-5-2 formation has turned Hoffenheim into a formidable and balanced side that has caused all levels of teams all kinds of problems. Hoffenheim ended their 2016 with a 1-1 draw at home to Werder Bremen. Not the ideal result, but center forward Sandro Wagner – the joint 5th top scorer in the Bundesliga (9 goals) – got his name on the score sheet once again with his fourth goal in four matches. His form certainly warrants him a consideration for an anytime scorer bet here at odds of 9/4.
While Augsburg’s defense has definitely been their strength – the Bavarians have conceded the second fewest goals (17) outside of the top five and have kept two clean sheets in their last three at home – their downfall has been their lack of consistency in front of goal. Augsburg have scored the second fewest goals in the Bundesliga (13) and to make matters worse striker Alfred-Finnbogason remains sidelined (see team news) and South Korean center forward Dong-Won Ji has produced just 3 goals in his 16 appearances. Hoffenheim have been much more consistent in front of goal, however, TSG have a undeniable tendency towards draws and lower scoring results on the road – Hoffenheim have drawn five of their seven away matches (71%), four of which had under 2.5 goals scored (three 1-1 draws and one 0-0 draw).
As such, a draw at 9/4 has to be one of the best bets available for this match in terms of value. Regarding a correct score bet, Augsburg’s defensive stability should balance out against Hoffenheim’s attacking prowess. However, considering that Hoffenheim’s attacking style not only sees them score, but also concede – Hoffenheim have conceded at least one goal in five of their seven away matches – then a 1-1 draw at 5/1 seems a reasonable shout here.
Augsburg vs Hoffenheim: Head-to-head stats
The matches between these two sides have always been intense. Hoffenheim are the successful side in recent meetings after winning in 4 of the last 5, while losing once.
In the 2015/16 season, Hoffenheim won both legs of the Bundesliga fixture – 3-1 at Augsburg and 2-1 back home.
However, Augsburg have won in 3 of the last 4 home matches versus Hoffenheim, with a lone defeat coming in their most recent meeting here on September 2015.
Augsburg vs Hoffenheim: Prediction
If you look at the league standings of both teams, it is Hoffenheim who are under little pressure. Therefore they will be looking to play their usual free flowing attacking football. Hoffenheim have only failed to score once in Bundesliga away matches this season. Augsburg have some serious problems in their attacking front, and therefore this could result in a narrow win for the visitors.
Augsburg vs Hoffenheim: Bet Tips
Hoffenheim to win at 8/5 (2.60)
Under 2.5 goals at 9/10 (1.90).
