Augsburg play host to Hoffenheim on Wednesday night knowing that one victory from their final three league games will be enough to retain their status in the Bundesliga for another 12 months.
Meanwhile, Hoffenheim make the trip to Bavaria knowing that maximum points are required to keep the pressure on Wolfsburg in the race for Europa League qualification.
Match preview
© Reuters
Ahead of back-to-back games with two of their rivals in the battle to avoid relegation, Augsburg would probably have been content with avoiding defeat in each of those fixtures.
However, following a draw at home to FC Koln, an early goal from Florian Niederlechner earned his side a narrow 1-0 victory away at Mainz 05, establishing a seven-point gap above the bottom three.
Although Heiko Herrlich will reiterate to his team that they still have work to do, Fuggerstadter can at least head into their upcoming contest knowing that a draw will likely be enough to confirm their top-flight status for another 12 months.
Despite shipping 57 goals from 31 games this season, the resilience of Augsburg's backline has gotten them to their current position with three clean sheets coming in five outings.
While issues remain at the other end of the pitch, another shutout is all that it may take for safety to have been secured ahead of facing 16th-placed Fortuna Dusseldorf at the weekend.
As far as Hoffenheim are concerned, they will place emphasis on attack as they look to catch Wolfsburg, who sit three points ahead of them in sixth position.
Goals have not been the issue in recent games, but last Friday's 2-0 setback at home to RB Leipzig highlighted that there is still room for improvement in that area of the pitch.
Marcel Rapp, who was appointed on a caretaker basis ahead of that defeat, will be prioritising victories against Augsburg and Union Berlin, aware that his side face a fixture away at Borussia Dortmund on the final day of the campaign.
Having gotten 64 minutes under his belt during the last two games after injury, Andrej Kramaric will be looking to get on the scoresheet for the first time since February 15.
Augsburg Bundesliga form: LWDLDW
Hoffenheim Bundesliga form: LDWWDL
Team News
© Reuters
After two substitute outings, Kramaric should be provided with a start in the Hoffenheim attack.
Jacob Bruun Larsen, on loan from Borussia Dortmund, is also pushing for an outing in the first XI after recovering from issues with his adductors.
Rapp is able to call upon Benjamin Hubner, who has received two red cards since the resumption of the Bundesliga.
Augsburg boss Herrlich may opt to retain the same starting lineup for Wednesday's contest.
Alfred Finnbogason is in contention for a place in attack after successfully coming through two substitute appearances after a knee injury.
Augsburg possible starting lineup:
Luthe; Framberger, Gouweleeuw, Uduokhai, Max; Gruezo, Khedira; Hahn, Lowen, Vargas; Niederlechner
Hoffenheim possible starting lineup:
Baumann; Zuber, Hubner, Posch, Kaderabek; Grillitsch, Baumgartner, Rudy; Dabbur, Bebou, Kramaric
We say: Augsburg 1-1 Hoffenheim
Despite the difference in league positions, Augsburg arguably head into this contest as the marginal favourites. However, with the home side more than happy with a point and Hoffenheim needing to push for all three, we feel that could lead to a share of the spoils.
