Augsburg vs Freiburg Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, 18 January

Augsburg will host Freiburg at the WWK Arena on Sunday, 18 January, in a Bundesliga clash that promises intrigue for both sides. Augsburg, playing at home, will be eager to make the most of familiar surroundings and secure vital points. Meanwhile, Freiburg will look to disrupt their hosts’ plans and climb the league table with a strong away performance.

The significance of this Bundesliga fixture cannot be overstated, as both teams are seeking to improve their positions. Augsburg’s home advantage at the WWK Arena could prove decisive, but Freiburg’s resilience on the road will be put to the test. This encounter presents an exciting opportunity for bettors to explore potential outcomes, with both teams having much at stake in their pursuit of league success.

Augsburg vs Freiburg Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Most goals scored in the second half	2.1

Given the cautious and defensive approach of both Augsburg and Freiburg, our recommended betting tip is ‘No goals will be scored’. Both teams are expected to prioritise defensive solidity over risky attacking play, which could result in a goalless draw.

• Augsburg’s focus on defensive stability at home makes it unlikely for them to concede many goals.
• Freiburg’s structured approach and reluctance to overcommit forward reduces the likelihood of scoring opportunities.
• Both sides are disciplined defensively, supporting the prospect of a low-scoring or goalless match.

Betting Odds

Examining the betting odds for Augsburg versus Freiburg, it’s clear the bookmakers anticipate a closely contested encounter. Augsburg are priced at 2.85 to win at home, while Freiburg are slight favourites at 2.46. A draw is also a tempting prospect at 3.3, reflecting the tight nature of this Bundesliga fixture.

Betting Tip	Odds
Augsburg to win	2.85
Match Draw	3.3
Freiburg to win	2.46

For those considering a bet, the potential for a draw or a narrow win for either team is worth noting. The odds suggest a balanced contest, with both sides having a fair chance of claiming all three points.

Augsburg Analysis & Recent Performance

Augsburg’s recent form has been disappointing, with only one win in their last five Bundesliga matches. They have registered two draws and two defeats in this period, highlighting their struggle to turn chances into victories. Their most recent outing ended in a 1-1 draw against Union Berlin, where they managed just 48% possession and nine shots compared to Union’s sixteen.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Augsburg	Union Berlin	1 – 1 (Draw)	Bundesliga	15 Jan 2026
Borussia Moenchengladbach	Augsburg	4 – 0 (Loss)	Bundesliga	11 Jan 2026
Augsburg	Werder Bremen	0 – 0 (Draw)	Bundesliga	20 Dec 2025
Eintracht Frankfurt	Augsburg	1 – 0 (Loss)	Bundesliga	13 Dec 2025
Augsburg	Bayer Leverkusen	2 – 0 (Win)	Bundesliga	6 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• DLDLW

Offensively, Augsburg have averaged just 0.60 goals per match across their last five games, underlining their difficulties in attack. This is further demonstrated by their low conversion rate, having scored in only two of those matches. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.20 goals per game, with only two clean sheets, indicating room for improvement at the back. Despite playing at home, Augsburg’s win ratio stands at a modest 0.40, showing that the WWK Arena has not been the fortress they would have hoped for. Currently 15th in the league, Augsburg must strengthen both their attacking and defensive strategies to climb the table.

Augsburg Suspensions & Injuries

Augsburg will be without two key defenders due to injury, which could significantly affect their defensive stability against Freiburg. Jeffrey Gouweleeuw is sidelined with a medial collateral ligament injury until mid-April 2026, a notable absence in the backline. His experience and leadership have been crucial in organising the defence. Chrislain Matsima, out with a tendon injury, is expected to return in early March 2026. His athleticism and ability to play out from the back will also be missed.

With these absences, Augsburg may need to rely more heavily on their current defensive line-up, featuring Noahkai Banks, Keven Schlotterbeck, and Cédric Zesiger. While these players have shown promise, the lack of depth could be a concern, especially if tactical flexibility is required or further injuries occur during the match.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Jeffrey Gouweleeuw	Medial Collateral Ligament injury	Mid April 2026
Chrislain Matsima	Tendon injury	Early March 2026

Tactically, Augsburg may need to adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on maintaining a solid shape to compensate for missing personnel. Coach Manuel Baum might consider reinforcing the midfield to provide extra cover for the defence. This could also influence Augsburg’s betting odds, as defensive frailties may prompt a more cautious game plan, potentially impacting the overall outcome.

Augsburg Key Players

Fabian Rieder is Augsburg’s top scorer with three goals, highlighting his ability to find the net and his importance in the attacking midfield role. Rieder’s knack for positioning and finishing could prove crucial against Freiburg, as he frequently exploits spaces between defensive lines. His partnership with Mert Komur up front is likely to form the focal point of Augsburg’s attacking strategy, with Komur’s physical presence complementing Rieder’s technical ability.

Anton Kade and Han-Noah Massengo are expected to play significant roles in midfield, dictating the tempo of the game. Kade’s ball distribution and Massengo’s defensive contributions will be key to maintaining possession and transitioning play. In defence, Keven Schlotterbeck’s leadership and Cédric Zesiger’s aerial prowess will be vital in dealing with Freiburg’s attacking threats.

Expected line-up for Augsburg:

• Goalkeeper: Finn Dahmen
• Defenders: Noahkai Banks, Keven Schlotterbeck, Cédric Zesiger
• Midfielders: Anton Kade, Robin Fellhauer, Han-Noah Massengo, Mads Valentin Pedersen, Fabian Rieder, Alexis Claude
• Forward: Mert Komur

Augsburg Tactics and Formation

Augsburg Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Mert Komur
• Midfield Pivot: Robin Fellhauer and Han-Noah Massengo
• Defensive Strength: Struggles with clean sheets, conceding in three of their last five matches.
• Notable Strategy: Compact midfield and reliance on wing-backs for width.

Augsburg’s 3-4-2-1 formation is designed to provide balance between defensive solidity and attacking support. With Robin Fellhauer and Han-Noah Massengo in central midfield, Augsburg aim to control the tempo and offer defensive cover. The use of wing-backs, Mads Valentin Pedersen and Anton Kade, is crucial for width and supporting the attack.

Defensively, Augsburg’s back three of Noahkai Banks, Keven Schlotterbeck, and Cédric Zesiger have struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding in three of their last five games. The absence of key defenders Chrislain Matsima and Jeffrey Gouweleeuw due to injury necessitates tactical adjustments and increases reliance on the current defensive trio.

Offensively, Augsburg rely on the creativity of Fabian Rieder and Alexis Claude behind lone striker Mert Komur. This setup aims to exploit spaces left by opponents and enable quick transitions, though Augsburg’s recent form highlights a challenge in converting these opportunities into goals.

Freiburg Analysis & Recent Performance

Freiburg’s recent form has been mixed, with three wins, one draw, and one defeat in their last five matches, indicating a relatively strong position. Their most recent game was a 2-0 defeat away to RB Leipzig, where they struggled with only 36% possession and managed just two shots on target, exposing vulnerabilities in creating chances against top-tier opposition.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
RB Leipzig	Freiburg	2 – 0 (Loss)	Bundesliga	14 Jan 2026
Freiburg	Hamburger SV	2 – 1 (Win)	Bundesliga	10 Jan 2026
Wolfsburg	Freiburg	3 – 4 (Win)	Bundesliga	20 Dec 2025
Freiburg	Borussia Dortmund	1 – 1 (Draw)	Bundesliga	14 Dec 2025
Freiburg	Salzburg	1 – 0 (Win)	Europa League	11 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• LWWDW

Freiburg’s attack has been moderately effective, averaging 1.60 goals per game over the last five fixtures. However, they have conceded 1.40 goals per match, with just one clean sheet in that period, pointing to a need for greater defensive discipline. Away from home, their record is less impressive, with only one victory in their last five away games, resulting in a 20% win ratio on the road. Freiburg currently sit 8th in the Bundesliga, underlining their mid-table consistency but highlighting the need for improvement in away fixtures.

Freiburg Suspensions & Injuries

Freiburg face a challenging situation with key players Philipp Lienhart and Matthias Ginter unavailable for the upcoming match against Augsburg. Lienhart’s abdominal injury, expected to keep him out until mid-February, could significantly weaken their central defence. Ginter, suffering from illness, may return in a few days but remains doubtful for this fixture. Daniel-Kofi Kyereh is also sidelined following knee surgery, with a return anticipated in late January. These absences may force coach Julian Schuster to rely on the current line-up, which includes Bruno Ogbus and Anthony Jung in defence.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Daniel-Kofi Kyereh	Knee surgery	Late January 2026
Philipp Lienhart	Abdominal injury	Mid February 2026
Matthias Ginter	Illness	Few days

The absence of experienced defenders such as Lienhart and Ginter could prompt Freiburg to adopt a more cautious approach, possibly reshuffling their usual 4-2-3-1 formation to cover defensive gaps. The reliance on younger or less established players may affect their tactical flexibility and defensive solidity, potentially altering their pressing and counter-attacking strategies.

These injuries could influence betting markets, as Freiburg’s defensive vulnerabilities may be targeted by Augsburg. The lack of depth in defence suggests a possible shift in match dynamics, with Freiburg potentially focusing more on midfield control and reducing defensive exposure. This scenario could affect the odds, particularly regarding clean sheets or goals conceded.

Freiburg Key Players

Vincenzo Grifo stands out as Freiburg’s top scorer, having netted six goals this season. His role as a versatile forward is vital, often drifting between the lines to exploit defensive gaps. Grifo’s ability to take on defenders and create chances makes him a constant threat and a focal point in Freiburg’s attack.

In midfield, Maximilian Eggestein is crucial for dictating the tempo and linking defence to attack. His vision and passing range allow Freiburg to transition smoothly, while Yuito Suzuki’s energy and creativity can unlock defences with his dribbling. At the back, Christian Günter provides stability and leadership, essential for organising the defensive unit against Augsburg’s attacks.

Expected line-up for Freiburg

• Goalkeeper: Noah Atubolu
• Defence: Lukas Kübler, Bruno Ogbus, Anthony Jung, Christian Günter
• Midfield: Maximilian Eggestein, Patrick Osterhage, Philipp Treu, Yuito Suzuki, Johan Manzambi
• Forward: Lucas Höler

Lucas Höler, leading the line, offers a physical presence and is key in holding up play, allowing midfielders to join the attack. His work rate and pressing high up the pitch will be vital in disrupting Augsburg’s build-up, highlighting Freiburg’s tactical emphasis on high-intensity pressing.

Freiburg Tactics and Formation

Freiburg Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Lucas Höler
• Midfield Pivot: Maximilian Eggestein and Patrick Osterhage
• Defensive Strength: Struggled with clean sheets, conceding in recent matches.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on midfield control and transitional play.

In their 4-2-3-1 formation, Freiburg aim to maintain a compact structure, with Maximilian Eggestein and Patrick Osterhage anchoring the midfield. This setup allows them to control the tempo and facilitate quick transitions, with Yuito Suzuki and Johan Manzambi providing creativity in advanced positions.

Defensively, Freiburg’s backline of Lukas Kübler, Bruno Ogbus, Anthony Jung, and Christian Günter will need to tighten up, especially after conceding twice against RB Leipzig. The absence of Philipp Lienhart due to injury may require extra support from midfield to prevent defensive lapses.

Offensively, Lucas Höler is expected to lead the line, supported by the dynamic play of Suzuki and Manzambi. While Freiburg have shown potential in midfield battles, their recent lack of clean sheets suggests they must focus on improving defensive resilience against Augsburg.

Augsburg vs Freiburg Head-to-Head Record

Augsburg and Freiburg have met 35 times, with Freiburg holding the advantage in the head-to-head record with 17 wins compared to Augsburg’s 9, while 9 matches have ended in draws. The most recent meeting saw Augsburg win 3-1 away at Freiburg in the Bundesliga, a result that may boost their confidence ahead of this fixture.

The last time Augsburg hosted Freiburg at the WWK Arena, the match finished goalless. Historically, Augsburg have struggled at home against Freiburg, but their recent away victory could signal a shift in momentum.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
Freiburg	Augsburg	1 – 3	Bundesliga	2025-08-23
Augsburg	Freiburg	0 – 0	Bundesliga	2025-03-02
Freiburg	Augsburg	3 – 1	Bundesliga	2024-10-19
Augsburg	Freiburg	2 – 1	Bundesliga	2024-02-25
Freiburg	Augsburg	2 – 0	Bundesliga	2023-10-01