FC Bayern irritated at Dortmund: Augsburg visit Cologne
An irritated FC Bayern will play the top match in the Bundesliga at Borussia Dortmund today (18:30). Three days after their disgraceful DFB Cup exit at third-division side 1. FC Saarbrücken, the Munich side will be looking for a reaction. "We have enough quality, form and spirit to beat Dortmund. We're going there to win and continue our run in the league," announced coach Thomas Tuchel ahead of the clash between the two unbeaten top teams.
However, the personnel situation is also tense. Joshua Kimmich is suspended in midfield and Matthijs de Ligt is out in defense with a new knee injury. The obvious replacements Leon Goretzka and Dayot Upamecano are both coming back from injuries.
FC Augsburg will be looking to continue their good start under new coach Jess Thorup at relegation-threatened 1. FC Köln on Saturday (3.30pm). The Fuggerstädter have won their first two games, some of them in rousing fashion. Thorup could even set a new record: no Augsburg coach has ever achieved three wins at the start of his tenure.
Despite FC Bayern's struggles following their DFB Cup exit, Borussia Dortmund's visiting FC Augsburg in the Bundesliga could face a depleted Bayern team. Joshua Kimmich's suspension and Matthijs de Ligt's knee injury have left midfield and defense positions vacant, with Leon Goretzka and Dayot Upamecano returning from injuries. Meanwhile, 1st FC Cologne, currently fighting relegation, will host FC Augsburg, aiming to halt their positive start under Jess Thorup.
Source: www.dpa.com
