Baum: "It will be a really tough task on Saturday”

After their 3-0 away victory against SV Werder Bremen, FCA will welcome Bayer 04 Leverkusen to the WWK ARENA on Saturday 4th November (15:30 CET). Augsburg are still yet to win against Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, and it will be no easy task to change that on the weekend, as the current Bayer side are one of the top five teams in Germany according to Manuel Baum. Four draws, eight losses. FCA’s record against Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga makes for unpleasant reading. Whether Alfred Finnbogason can be there to help Augsburg change their fortunes is still in question. The striker is suffering from a few muscular problems, and the Icelander will make his first appearance in training this week on Friday. Jan Moravek, who has only been able to take part in a bit of running, will more than likely not be available for the game. Leverkusen had an unsettled start to their campaign, although they are now undefeated in their last five games (three wins, two draws). “At the beginning of the season, they couldn’t turn their chances into goals,” says Manuel Baum. Bayer have managed to turn this early trend around in recent weeks though, and have now scored the third most goals in the Bundesliga with 22. FCA’s head coach Manuel Baum has very high praise for Leverkusen. “They’re one of the top five or so teams in Germany,” said the 38-year-old, warning that “it will be a really tough task on Saturday.” He also praised this weekend’s opponents as being “very strong on the ball and also very flexible, so we must defend with a high level of intensity.” However, Baum also knows that his team “has showed that we can compete with anyone in the league.” Baum: Opare “is consistently putting in good performances at the moment” There’s still a lot that can be improved upon in FCA’s defense, however - that goes for Daniel Opare too. The 27-year-old has carved out a place for himself in Manuel Baum’s starting eleven this season, and has played the whole of the last eight games. “I’m very satisfied with him.” Said Baum about his full back. “He’s consistently putting in good performances at the moment.” The head coach picks out his pace as will his technical ability as the Ghanaian’s particular strengths. Opare has had to wait for his breakthrough at Augsburg. In his first one and a half seasons with the club, the right back only managed to make four appearances. After a six month loan spell with Lens he is now back with FCA, and is now one of the first names on the team sheet. “Things move really quickly in football,” said Opare. “You have to be patient. I’ve waited for my chance and I’ve finally managed to make the best out of it.”