Hoeness: "We're raring to go again"

Sebastian Hoeness on…

…the personnel situation: „Ermin Bičakčić, Diadie Samassékou, Robert Skov will definitely miss out. Sargis Adamyan travelled back later and has not yet trained with the team. Håvard Nordtveit is ill; in his case, we need to see how he is faring. Marco John sustained a knock yesterday. Fisnik Asllani will start with first-team training today; he won't be ready in time for the weekend."

…FC Augsburg: "Before the break, they were in very good form and even beat the likes of FC Bayern. Their personnel problems have alleviated slightly, especially in the defensive department. They'll put a good team on the pitch. However, we want to start the second half of the season with a home win."

…the break: "It did us all good, but now we're already raring to go again. The lads needed to switch off a bit mentally, but they were given a tough training schedule. They put that into practice well, that's been clear from the first training sessions. Their batteries have been recharged and the atmosphere is good, hence why I am optimistic for Saturday."

…the corona cases across the league: "Our senses have been sharpened and the hygiene concept is in place. We will again arrive to home games in our own cars and have reduced meetings together to a minimum. We're preparing ourselves for matches and hoping that there won't be too many cases. A lot would need to happen for a game to be cancelled. The competition should remain fair."

…the record in the first half-season: "We're satisfied with 28 points, but will consistently try to improve. Our focus is on Saturday, though; we want to pick up the next three points then."

The opposition's form:

Markus Weinzierl's team ended the first half of the season in 15th position. However, Augsburg's form took a significant upturn towards the end of the year as they took 12 points from their final eight matches.

Head-to-head record:

TSG will go up against FC Augsburg for the 22nd time. Hoffenheim have won on 12 occasions, Augsburg on five (plus four draws). Coach Sebastian Hoeness' side won the reverse fixture in Bavaria by a 4-0 scoreline.

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