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Augsburg v Hertha Berlin (Sun 5pm)
Jonathan Klinsmann, the son of a certain Jürgen, made his debut for Hertha in their 1-1 draw with Östersund in the Europa League. It was a ten out of ten or “Note eins” performance as coach Pal Dardai termed it, especially after a late penalty save preserved a draw.
Klinsmann will only be on the bench though for Hertha’s visit to Augsburg this weekend, with first choice goalkeeper Rune Jarstein returning in goal.
Hertha were already out of the Europa League before Thursday but it has taken a toll on their Bundesliga form with Dardai’s side in the lower reaches of mid-table.
Augsburg on the other hand are flying. They’re seventh, level on points with Borussia Dortmund and just two off the Champions League places.
Their 3-1 victory at Mainz saw their strike duo of Michael Gregoritsch and Alfred Finnbogason score again. Together, they now account for 15 of the 21 goals that Augsburg have scored in the Bundesliga this season.
Augsburg’s full backs of Philipp Max and Daniel Opare have both been influential performers this season. Max’s seven assists even make him the top provider in the division but Opare, their best tackler, will miss the Hertha game having picked up a fifth yellow card of the season at Mainz.
One of Augsburg’s strengths has been how other squad members have filled in and impressed when needed. Raphael Framberger will be expected to do the same on Sunday.
Hertha picked up a rare three points on the road last time out against Cologne but that perhaps said more about the host’s weaknesses. Even if the Hertha lineup rotates as expected after Thursday’s Europa League action, a home win is more likely this time.
Raphael's Tips
- Augsburg 2, Hertha 1 (12-1, Unibet)
- Gregoritsch to score first (24-5, Unibet)
- Augsburg win (93-100, Unibet)
Munich-born Raphael Honigstein writes about football for Germany’s biggest broadsheet, Süddeutsche Zeitung, the Guardian, ESPNFC and his tips appear here thanks to our football partner at MrFixitsTips, Unibet. They're making a big splash in the UK betting scene and if you join them today you can claim up to £30 in Welcome Bonuses when you deposit and place your first bet.
Munich-born Raphael Honigstein writes about football for Germany’s biggest broadsheet, Süddeutsche Zeitung, the Guardian, ESPNFC and others. He’s a regular pundit on BT Sport’s European Football Show and the author of “Englischer Fussball: A German View of Our Beautiful Game”. His favourite food is Schnitzel, predictably.
