SV Werder will be without Amos Pieper for the away game in Mainz (Saturday, 08/04/23, 15.30 CEST). Last weekend’s goalscorer is suffering from ankle problems and won’t be in the squad at the weekend. “He has had problems there for a long time, there isn’t a specific solution,” said Ole Werner at his press conference ahead of the game.

Thomas Reis (head coach VfL Bochum 1848): 

Ten FCA first team players in total are away on international duty at the moment and were not available to Enrico Maaßen and his coaching staff. Apart from the national players, Elvis Rexhbecaj, Maximilian Bauer and Julian Baumgartlinger were also absent due to injury, and Niklas Dorsch returned to the pitch. The 25-year-old midfielder missed the last Bundesliga game against FC Schalke 04 (1-1) due to illness.

There was a shock for the Augsburg players after just 30 seconds, when Emmanuel Latte Lath was through one-on-one against Tomas Koubek, but he failed to beat the Czech goalkeeper. A little later, FCA had their first chance, when a cross from Aaron Zehnter surprisingly hit the St. Gallen crossbar. The first goal of the game, however, was scored by the visitors from Switzerland. Christian Witzig converted a cross from the right-hand side into the left corner to make it 1-0 (8’). In the 24th minute, FCSG extended their lead, after Randy Schneider was able to dribble on the edge of the penalty area and finish into the top right corner.

There was controversy shortly after when Noah Sarenren Bazee fell in the penalty area after contact with an opponent, but the referee’s whistle remained silent. FCA took control of the game in the following period, with the Swiss Super League side waiting for a counter attack. In the 32nd minute, Augsburg were lucky when Leon Dajaku faltered in front of goal after a good move. The Fuggerstädter then reduced the deficit to 2-1 in the 37th minute through Irvin Cardona. Maßen’s side kept the pressure on and had several chances to equalise through Kelvin Yeboah (39’/44’) and Nathanaël Mbuku (41’). Just before the break, Sarenren Bazee headed in a corner to equalise (45’).

(And no, Liverpool fans, you’re not included in this conversation.)

Their opponents from Gelsenkirchen are level on points with VfB Stuttgart (16th) in 17th place after their brilliant 5-2 win against direct rivals Hertha BSC. While SCF have often struggled against lower-placed sides in previous years, they are still unbeaten against teams from the bottom half of the table this season.

Just three day after the Bundesliga restart away at VfL Bochum, Hertha faced their next challenge in the Bundesliga in the shape of VfL Wolfsburg. Sandro Schwarz made two changes to the side that started against Bochum, with Suat Serdar coming in for Jean-Paul Boëtius in midfield and Dodi Lukébakio replacing Derry Scherhant on the wing.

Hertha are currently in the midst of a very busy schedule. Their three games this week mean that Sandro Schwarz has to conduct six press conferences. The fifth instalment was on the agenda for the head coach on Thursday afternoon as attention now turns to Saturday’s derby against Union (28th January, 15:30 CET). The 44-year-old sees the clash as the perfect opportunity to turn things around. “It’s a huge opportunity for us to completely change the mood. A derby game is always full of emotion, regardless of the league table. We want to generate a different atmosphere within the club,” explained Schwarz. Fredi Bobic echoed these sentiments in Thursday’s presser: “We have to fully accept the situation. We can move a lot of things in a positive direction on Saturday but it’s down to us to do it. We will continue to instil this into the players right up until kick off.”

Sandro Schwarz and Fredi Bobic on…

RB Leipzig release sustainability report | Overview of strategy, aims and activities in 2022 | New waste separation system for the home game against Augsburg

Dimitri Lavalée has left 1. FSV Mainz 05 and joined Belgian Pro League side KV Mechelen....

The facts and figures as VfB travel to FC Augsburg at 20:30 CEST on Friday evening.