Dion Beljo scored the only goal as Augsburg moved six points clear of the relegation zone with victory over Union Berlin. Clear-cut chances were at a premium until Beljo volleyed in from Ruben Vargas in the 53rd minute. Ermedin Demirovic almost added a second, with Union unable to muster a meaningful response. They drop a place to fourth, ahead of fifth-placed Freiburg - whom they face next week - on goal difference.

Koubek – Pedersen, Bauer, Gouweleeuw, Uduokhai – Maier, Engels, Rexhbecaj, Vargas – Beljo, Demirovic

Klein, Gumny, Colina, Veiga, Caligiuri, Dorsch, Berisha, Yeboah, Cardona

Ronnow – Jaeckel, Knoche, Doekhi – Juranovic, Laidouni, Khedira, Haberer, Roussillon – Behrens, Becker

Grill, Gießelmann, Baumgartl, Trimmel, Thorsby, Schäfer, Michel, Leweling, Jordan

Augsburg are seven without a top-flight victory (D4, L3) and have seen their cushion to the bottom three reduced from eight points to three in that time. They've lost just one of their last seven at the WWK Arena, though, with four successive home wins followed by draws with Schalke and Stuttgart which bookended a loss to Cologne.

For how great Union have been this season, they've struggled slightly in recent weeks and have won only one of their last four in the league (W1, D2, L1). That victory was, however, collected in their last away outing - their seventh on the road this term - and they have lost just twice in 2023 so far.

Koubek - Pedersen, Gouweleeuw (c), Uduokhai, Veiga - Maier, Engels, Rexhbecaj, Ruben Vargas - Beljo, Demirovic

Baumgartlinger (knee), Berisha (knock), Gikiewicz (shoulder), Hahn (knee), Iago (thigh), Jensen (ankle), Mbuku (ill), Oxford (fitness), Strobl (cruciate ligament)

Ronnow - Doekhi, Knoche, Baumgartl - Juranovic, Laidouni, Khedira (c), Haberer, Roussillon - Becker, Behrens

Leite (suspended)

Augsburg are the only side in the bottom third of the table to have stuck with their coach this season, with Enrico Maaßen firmtly entrusted with their survival bid.

If recent records are anything to go by, Augsburg will welcome the sight of Union. They are five unbeaten in the Bundesliga against this weekend's visitors (W3, D2).

Augsburg are yet to win with Tomas Koubek in goal this term, chalking up four draws and four defeats in all competitions with the Czech international between the posts. All-in, Koubek is 16 games without a victory for FCA.

Union's historic bid for a first Champions League campaign has been consistent all season, with Urs Fischer's side sitting in the top-four for all but two matchdays (MD2 and MD15) this term.

Die Eisernen have not lost a game this season after taking the lead (W16, D4). In comparison, Augsburg have squandered nine of their own leads (D4, L5).

Maximilian Bauer is set to make his 50th Bundesliga appearance, while Rani Khedira - who represented Augsburg 119 times in Germany's top-tier - will reach 200 BL games if he features against his old club.

Going into Matchday 31, there is still a lot at stake for both of these sides. Hosts Augsburg are just three points clear of the drop so will be looking to avoid being pulled deeper in to the relegation battle, while Union are six off top spot and two clear of fifth as they look to secure UEFA Champions League football next season.

Here you can find all the information about FC Augsburg against 1. FC Union Berlin on matchday 31.