FC Augsburg vs Union Berlin Match Preview - Jan 15, 2026

In a match that could define their seasons, FC Augsburg faces Union Berlin at the WWK Arena on January 15, 2026. With Augsburg mired in the relegation battle at 15th place, accumulating only 14 points from 15 matches, and Union Berlin sitting in a relatively comfortable 9th with 22 points from 16 games, the stakes couldn't be higher. Augsburg's recent form has been nothing short of dismal-scoring just one goal across their last five league games. They desperately need a result to stave off impending relegation fears; conversely, Union is eyeing European qualification and looking to solidify its standing against struggling opposition.

Predicted Lineups

For this clash, expect Augsburg to line up in their trusted 3-4-2-1 formation: GK: Finn Dahmen, DEF: Chrislain Matsima/Keven Schlotterbeck/Noahkai Banks, MID: Dimitrios Giannoulis/Han-Noah Massengo/Kristijan Jakić/Robin Fellhauer, FWD: Alexis Claude-Maurice/Fabian Rieder. Union Berlin is likely to counter in the same shape: GK: Frederik Rønnow, DEF: Diogo Leite/Leopold Querfeld/Danilho Doekhi, MID: Derrick Köhn/Rani Khedira/Janik Haberer/Christopher Trimmel, FWD: Ilyas Ansah/Woo-Yeong Jeong.

Both teams have shown a preference for the 3-4-2-1 setup recently-a formation that emphasizes wing play and allows for flexible attacking movements. But will Augsburg find an answer against Union's resilient defense?

Recent performances lay bare a stark contrast between these two sides. FC Augsburg has struggled significantly; they failed to score in four of their last five Bundesliga outings while allowing an alarming average of nearly two goals per game over that stretch. Most notably, they were obliterated 0-4 by Borussia Mönchengladbach in their latest outing where they managed only two shots on target compared to Gladbach's seven-illustrating not just defensive frailty but also offensive impotence.

In stark contrast stands Union Berlin-a team that may not always control possession (averaging just over 50% ball possession recently) but knows how to capitalize on the chances they create. While they drew their latest match against FSV Mainz with a respectable xG of 2.23, showcasing their ability to generate scoring opportunities even under pressure. They need more than just flashes of brilliance; consistency is key as they navigate through mid-table mediocrity towards European ambitions.

Breaking down statistical trends reveals deeper tactical implications for this matchup:

1. Possession & Shots: Augsburg consistently edges possession with around 51%, yet it fails to translate this into meaningful offensive output-merely managing an average of 12 shots per game lately yet languishing with an abysmal shooting percentage hovering near just one goal every two matches played.

1. Defensive Struggles: Defensively, Augsburg concedes far too easily. Their defensive metrics reveal high expected goals against them (xGA), especially after losing heavily in recent weeks-the kind of performance that feeds morale issues and raises alarm bells about commitment.

1. On the other side of things, Union's defense has been considerably more sturdy; despite mixed results including a hard-fought win over Köln and losses to tougher opponents like Wolfsburg (1-3), players like Danilho Doekhi have stepped up defensively-notching five goals so far this season while providing strong tackles across contests (94 duels won). The dual role as both defender and occasional scorer makes him someone for Augsburg to account for in transitions.

Key players will undoubtedly influence this outcome beyond mere statistics:

• For Augsburg, look towards Fabian Rieder who netted three goals so far-his presence in midfield will be pivotal if they wish to penetrate Union's backline effectively.
• Meanwhile for Union Berlin, Ilyas Ansah has showcased finishing ability with four goals already; his positioning creates space either directly or indirectly by dragging defenders out of position-a critical factor considering how reliant both teams are on compact play in wide areas.

Tactically speaking, this match could very well become a chess game between coaches - can Augsburg coach Enrico Maaßen galvanize his side enough to outmaneuver Union's solidity? Or will Urs Fischer's strategic utilization of width through players like Oliver Burke and Derrick Köhn slice through whatever hopes Augsburg harbors?

A crucial aspect lies within set pieces where corners could determine fate given Augsburg's height advantage but lack discipline often leads them conceding easy breakaway goals-turnovers which would favor quick counters from swift attackers like Woo-Yeong Jeong thriving off fast transitions.

With everything at stake on both ends-the urgency punctuated by necessity-expect tight margins and potentially surprising twists as teams vie not just for three points but respectability in league standings before heading into the latter stages of January fixtures.

So what does all this mean come kick-off? A tantalizing prospect: The tactical nuances are palpable here! Despite factors weighing heavily against them due to poor form plus psychological warfare built from past defeats hanging thick above headspaces... We'll see Union Berlin walk away victorious in this battle-a narrow win built off disciplined defense allied with counter-attacking precision proves paramount against vulnerable foes desperate yet unfocused as time ticks down on relegation peril!