FC Augsburg are in action on Friday night away to RasenBallsport Leipzig (20:30 CET). The side from Saxony are currently second in the league, putting pressure on league leaders FC Bayern. Heiko Herrlich wants his side to put up a real fight against RBL.

This will be the third meeting between FC Augsburg and RasenBallsport Leipzig in 2020/21. The previous two meetings – on matchday 4 and in the second round of the DFB-Pokal – saw Leipzig record 2-0 and 3-0 wins in Augsburg. “They were both tough games. We will try and prepare ourselves for them as best as we can,” stressed Heiko Herrlich.

The FCA head coach wants his side to play with confidence in Leipzig on Friday evening. “The important thing is that we remain compact and try to keep a clean sheet for as long as possible.” The second half of the DFB-Pokal clash in December should serve as inspiration for the Fuggerstädter: “We need to play with courage like we did on that occasion. Hopefully we will be better in the final third and in front of goal and have a bit of luck too."

Iago undergoes an operation

The recent setbacks haven’t affected the squad badly, believes Herrlich. “We have fought hard in a lot of games. We need to continue battling like this.” The 49-year-old believes that the side’s mentality in particular will be key. “The lads have always given their best. We will need this again to survive against such a strong opponent.”

Herrlich and FCA will be without left-back Iago for the time being. The Brazilian underwent an ankle operation at the start of the week. “He will obviously be a big loss for us,” commented Herrlich. “Nonetheless, we have to accept the situation for what it is. Mats Pedersen has done well in this position so far and we are confident in him.” Another absentee will be Alfred Finnbogason, although Raphael Framberger is back in team training. “He’s making great progress and is free of any pain now. I think he will be able to make the squad,” revealed a pleased Herrlich.

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