FC Augsburg - 1.FC Nürnberg

After an excellent run 2013 Augsburg is back in business and they are more than able to close the gab to place 15. They are 5 points ahead of place 16 but have also 6 points to place 15. If they can continue their run it is more as possible that they are able to close the gab and leave drop zone. Sure they need wins for this and they need it immediately and their opponents in their zone should not collect much as they have a chance. But overall they got a lot of self confidence and motivation back in their last matches also more stability in their play now. In winter break they talk only to reach place 16, this was their primary target but they reached it already and to hold the pressure on his team high said coach Weinzierl that he wants place 15 now. The situation is not the worst and they can walk on. Of course it was some luck included in their last matches because without this luck they have never started this run. To beginning they won in Düsseldorf, this was one of the key matches but with mega help from Fortuna keeper Giefer and defender Latka. Both players made gifts and gave 2 easy goals away with their mistakes.  But nevertheless Augsburg had again luck as the referee did not count a regular goal from Düsseldorf to tie this match. Against Schalke and Wolfsburg they were the better side but wasted a lot and got in both only a draw. Next one at home against Mainz draw again but more as lucky as Mainz scored a clear goal but not given by referee and after Mainz took the lead, Mainz got a red card and play the whole second half with 10 men, Augsburg played well but could only score the equalizer. In Leverkusen they lost while they won against Bremen but were only average and had also some luck again as Bremen had some good chances.

Almost same run from Nürnberg, 2013 they lost only one match and this was in Dortmund where they never had any chance. On the other side they are very positive 2013 but could only win one match so far, the others were all draws. They are not able to win matches but they are very hard to play in the past as their defensive worked better and better and in this case they are very hard to beat at the moment. Overall they are much better at the moment on the road as at home as they can sit back and count on their counter attacks where both wings are able to overcome their opponent because of their quickness. One more weapon they have is free kicks or corners from Kiyotake who is very dangerous in this matter. If I compare the last away matches I am very confident about Nürnberg, they had no problems with good team from Frankfurt who has a lot of offensive power but they were close to beat them, vs. Stuttgart they played also a bit better and equalized in second half deserved and had additional some chances to win this as well. They are just close to be rewarded for their effort, sooner or later. It is only a matter of time. Coach Wiesinger and Reutershahn did and do a great job so far.

Both teams are on a good run, both are in good form, both lost only one 2013, both are not known as scoring teams, both played many times draw. If you compare both teams recognize many similarities. Therefore it is very hard to predict this match for some but overall I see a light advantage for Nürnberg. Their past matches on the road and their good defensive style of play make me very confident to see them not losing this. Both teams have problems to score, Augsburg scored only one time more than one goal in the past and this was against weak Hoffenheim, of course Nürnberg the same but I have the idea that Augsburg at home has to push and invest much more and Nürnberg can use the space for counter attacks. Since Augsburg plays in 1.BL they never won against Nürnberg so far and if Nürnberg wants to hold the pressure away they should not lose this one otherwise Augsburg come closer. I like the matchup and Nürnberg very well today. GL

Recommend Bet: 1.FC Nürnberg AHC +0,5 @ 1,80 (3 Units)