Opposition Analysis: Borussia Dortmund vs FC Augsburg

Borussia Dortmund will look to rebound from another Champions League loss when they face FC Augsburg on Saturday at the WWK Arena. Dortmund remained atop the Bundesliga after a 6-1 win last week against Borussia Monchengladbach while Augsburg remained in fifth place after a scoreless draw with VfB Stuttgart.

What to Watch for: High-Press Counter Attack

When Augsburg defeated RB Leipzig a few weeks back, they had two things on their side: luck, and the ability to apply attacking pressure early. Augsburg features a high press offense that allows its wing-backs to push forward while the four midfielders and striker flood the box with pace. On the counter, Augsburg midfielders attack in tandem through the middle.

On Wednesday, when Dortmund met Real Madrid in the Champions League, Dortmund’s perilously high defensive line turned fatal as Madrid displayed a similar, high-press counter-attacking style that victimized the Dortmund defense.

Dortmund will have to prevent Augsburg from applying early pressure while limiting any opportunity in the middle on a counter attack by reducing turnovers.

Key to the Game: Quick-Moving, Possession Football

Looking for a blue print on how to break down the Augsburg defense. Dortmund’s most recent opponent, Borussia Monchengladbach, found that by stringing together passes quickly while methodically moving up the field, they were able to stretch the Augsburg defense by drawing them out of position. See for yourself.

It was a masterclass in passing football and a style of play that Dortmund could utilize brilliantly. With the flashiness of players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Christian Pulisic along with the pure and accurate distribution from guys like Julian Weigl, Dortmund can employ this strategy rather easily.

Player to Watch: Alfred Finnbogason

The Icelandic striker is DANGEROUS. Simply put. He frees himself up easily and makes excellent use of whatever space he is given. And when Finnbogason has possession, he is able to use his speed and dribbling ability to execute attacks and victimize opposing defenses. Dortmund will need to be wary of his deception when in possession as well as respect his shooting touch.

Projected Lineup

• Formation: 5-2-2-1
• Goalkeeper: Marwin Hitz
• Defenders: Philipp Max, Martin Hinteregger, Jeffrey Gouweleeuw, Gojko Kacar, Daniel Opare
• Midfielders: Rani Khedira, Jan Moravek, Caiuby, Marcel Heller
• Forward: Alfred Finnbogason

Prediction: Dortmund 3-0

It always seem to be a challenge for Dortmund when traveling to Augsburg, but this time around it should be different. As always, expect Aubameyang to score as well as a potential breakout game for Mahmoud Dahoud. A nice way to head into the international break for Dortmund.