FC Augsburg will play host to VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday afternoon (15:30 CET). New signing László Bénes could make his debut for the club against the Wolves, with coach Heiko Herrlich hoping that the midfielder can provide a greater attacking impetus to the side.

On Monday, FCA secured a loan deal with Borussia Mönchengladbach for László Bénes, who will spend the remainder of the season here. The new signing could be making his debut in the red green and white jerseys as soon as this weekend against Wolfsburg. "He’s made a really good impression and is definitely an option for Saturday," Heiko Herrlich reported at Friday’s press conference. 

While Bénes’ debut looks on the cards, Iago’s involvement is doubtful. The left back was taken off with ankle problems in last weekend’s 3-1 defeat in Dortmund. Raphael Framberger (muscle strain) has completed parts of team training again, but is not yet fit to play, nor is Alfred Finbogasson (calf problems). 

"His movement is very good at the moment, his decision-making is at a good level and his first touch and dribbling technique look very good."

Herrlich is expecting Bénes to offer a new attacking impetus. "His movement is very good, his decision-making is at a good level and his first touch and dribbling look very good," said the FCA head coach, describing the 23-year-old Slovakian. "He can play the final pass. We hope he can make us more dangerous going forward and give us more options in the final third."

Against Wolfsburg, FCA will probably not enjoy a huge amount of goalscoring opportunities. Currently third in the league, the Wolves boast the second best defensive record in the league this season (after Leipzig) and have won their last four competitive fixtures. "Wolfsburg are having a good season and they’re on a good run at the moment," said Herrlich: "Having said that, we did manage to create the odd chance against Bayern and Dortmund. We need to find the right balance between attack and defence and stay compact when we’re not in possession." 

Herrlich has identified his team’s attack as an area they can improve on. "We are not happy," said the 49-year-old. "I’ll take any criticism about this, that’s normal, but we are working on it every day. We are convinced that we will improve in the coming games." 

Unsere FCA-APP

Jetzt herunterladen!