OPPOSITION VIEW: AUGSBURG

The first of Sunderland's weekend double-header comes in Germany against FC Augsburg, so we spoke to Rory Petre from The Bundesliga Show to give us some more information about our opponents...

Augsburg finished 12th in the Bundesliga last season, how did their fans feel about that mid-table finish?

Their season was in the main regarded as a success by fans of the FCA. This is because every season the Bavarian club's main objective is to avoid relegation to the 2 Bundesliga, although at times their ambitions in the last few seasons has become more lofty, therefore leading to discontent with some of the fanbase. A big turning point in last season came about after a humiliating hammering by newly promoted Holstein Kiel (5-1) just before the winter break as many of the ultras condemned the woeful performance and they never looked back. The highlight of last season was the clubs long run of clean sheets which led to goalkeeper Finn Dahmen moving into the top six longest stretches for goalkeepers without conceding a goal, to be exact 683 minutes.

We've heard some... interesting stories about their new manager Sandro Wagner. What's he like?

Yes, the man from Munich, Wagner is no stranger to Bundesliga football as a player and has most recently been aiding Julian Nagelsmann in the national team set up as an assistant. He’s yet to impose himself as a top level Head Coach aside from his spell in Regionalliga with SpVgg Unterhaching so hardly the big time. As a player he was industrious and a physical menace so you feel his game fits in well at FCA. It could be a recipe for physical and direct football in Bavaria this season.

How has their transfer business been so far?

Their summer window to date has been solid but not spectacular. Loan signings Chrislain Matsima and Cedric Zesiger have been made permanent which bolsters their back line. A notable purchase from St. Pauli is Elias Saad who can help sharpen their attacking threat plus reinforcements in midfield with Burnley’s Han-Noah Massengo. All four should feature heavily this season. As far as outgoings are concerned nothing of note however the casual fan might remember a certain Reece Oxford who has left at the end of his contract.

How do you think they'll fare this season? Will they be sucked into a relegation fight or make a push for Europe?

Much like the last few seasons, Augsburg won’t be far off the relegation conversation however their saving grace is likely to be the fact that at least two sides will be worse than them in the shape of Heidenheim and St Pauli. There is not a great deal of difference between many of the middle pack in the Bundesliga. Therefore, I expect safety is maintained once more. But there is a sense of the unknown because of new head coach Sandro Wagner coming in to replace the previous safe pair of hands that was Jess Thorup.

What are the biggest differences between English and German football?

A good question which I think there are a number of answers to. Firstly, one clear difference is the (for want of a better word) lack of 'caring' for defensive play but just a burning desire to attack the opposition and entertain the fans. Both countries can boast a physical-based game as well as ones that are quick in nature but I feel in the Bundesliga there is rarely a moment to waste and goals can come very quickly. You will rarely see the bore draw on display in either of Germany's top two divisions. Of course, the ownership model of how clubs are run is totally different with the 50+1 ruling which ensures fan influence over their clubs remain and prevents external parties taking hold and ruining football institutions, which we see far too much of in England.

Who is Augsburg's best player?

I suppose if I had to pick one player I would say attacking midfielder Alexis Claude-Maurice who signed last season. He added a much needed creative spark to Augsburgs play in the final third. He can come up with the unexpected and an impressive mover with the ball at his feet.

Which Sunderland player do you think can cause them a lot of damage?

I cannot say ultimate damage but Granit Xhaka is a player of excellent match control and a huge influence on any game he plays dictating through his range of passing. Any number of your attacking players who are more direct and quick will pose threats. Perhaps Simon Adingra or Patrick Roberts.

Finally, score prediction?

Sunderland 2-1 Augsburg.