Augsburg remained at a safe distance from the bottom three in spite of losing to Mainz, and they will now attempt to return to winning ways.

Standing in their way will be underperforming Bayer Leverkusen, who have shown some improvement after a dismal start.

This season has been a hit and miss for Augsburg, who currently sit just few places above the relegation zone, but they are still not in danger.

Die Fuggerstadt made a giant step towards the Bundesliga survival with back to back wins over relegation rivals Wolfsburg and Werder Bremen, meaning they can now play without a great deal of pressure.

Despite losing to Mainz last time out, Augsburg sit eight points clear of relegation-threatened sides, although a win over Bayer Leverkusen would definitely be a step in the right direction.

Manuel Baum’s side haven’t been too impressive on home soil, winning just three of last 12 fixtures at their WWK Arena, but they did win two of last three there.

Defender Konstantinos Stafylidis remains doubtful, but Dominik Kohr returns from suspension, while Jan Moravek and Ja-Cheol Koo return from injury.

Probable starting line-up (4-1-4-1): Hitz – Verhaegh, Gouweleeuw, Hunteregger, Max – D. Baier – Schmid, Kohr, Koo, Ji – Bobadilla.

Bayer Leverkusen have long been one of Germany’s top sides, trailing only Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, but they have experienced all sorts of problems this season.

Even though the squad appear to be just as strong as in recent years, die Werkself cannot seem to hit the ground running and currently sit in mid table mediocrity.

Bayer Leverkusen did well to return to the right track after back to back defeats to Borussia M’gladbach and Hamburger SV, hammering Eintracht 3-0 on home soil.

Buoyed by said result, Roger Schmidt’s charges will attempt to see off Augsburg as well and they can be backed at 2.35 (27/20) to succeed in their quest.

Lars Bender is unlikely to be risked as he could be spared for the Atletico Madrid game, whereas Omer Toprak (suspension), Hakan Calhanoglu (FIFA ban) and Jonathan Tah (injury) are unavailable for selection.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-2-2): Leno – Henrichs, Jedvaj, Dragovic, Wendell – Aranguiz, Kampl – Bellarabi, Brandt – Chicharito, Havertz.